#Wedding Photographer Wiltshire | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sitp-recs · 2 days

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Hi Sitp!!! Thank you so much for your recs! You're a godsent! Do you have fics where Draco, or Harry, realise they love the other one and the feelings are so strong they decide to run away? And then they come back and grovel? Or just fics with groveling only :)

Hello friend! Great flavour of make up/break up, I’m not generally into (a lot of) grovelling but here are some recs that I hope will work for you:

Be Still by Writcraft (E, 5k)

Harry’s back in England and Draco tries to fix things before he disappears again.

What Real Thing? by loveglowsinthedark (E, 12k)

They don’t cuddle, they don’t talk about their relationship (or lack thereof) and they certainly never fall asleep in each other’s arms.

Make Me a Headline (I Want to Be That Bold) by dicta_contrion (E, 31k)

Draco never expected to see Harry doing that again. Especially with someone else, in a grainy photograph that's landed on his desk one Monday morning.

Potential Gravity by zeitgeistic (E, 32k)

Draco is not good at Cards Against Humanity, but Harry’s not good at being human, so it all works out. Except for the explosions. And Harry’s inability to live when Draco’s not around.

Red Thread (that will lead me home to you) by xErised (E, 35k)

It takes four years of travelling and mutual pining for Harry to realise that Malfoy is the only one for him. Of course, he has to express his feelings in the most scandalous way possible—by stopping Malfoy's very proper, very pureblood wedding.

All Roads by korlaena, Saulaie (M, 36k)

Draco hates his job at the Prophet. He hates it even more when he’s assigned to write an article on Harry Potter, who left the country three years ago after their falling out. Draco doesn’t want to face the truth about himself, but he’s stuck between Harry and his duty, and he’s out of options.

(We'll Call This Fixer-Upper) Home by phdmama (E, 52k)

Draco Malfoy hasn’t set foot on English soil in ten years. After the war, he fled to America, where he found himself in a community, and healed himself through following his heart into music. He’s now the lead singer and songwriter for an internationally known band, who have come back to headline the Wiltshire Music Festival.

A Sword Laid Aside by korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

Dwelling on Dreams by The_Sinking_Ship (E, 135k)

Draco thought he could avoid Potter for the duration of his brief return to England. He’d stick to his schedule and be back home in Paris, where he belonged, in a few short months. No trouble at all.

#asks #somethingveryodd #drarry reclist #realizing feelings and running away #a classic drarry trope 🤌🏼

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bookgeekgrrl · 2 years

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My media this week (25 Sep-1 Oct 2022)

🎶 🎶it's the moooost wonderful time of the year🎶 🎶

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

🥰👂‍ Hallowe'en Party (Hercule Poirot #41) (Agatha Christie, author; Hugh Fraser, narrator) - I just really love Ariadne Oliver. Absolutely bonkers nonsense plot. So full of 'the youth today is terrible' stuff but for some reason I just find it amusing in this

🥰👂‍ A Little Light Mischief (The Turners #3.5) (Cat Sebastian, author; Morag Sims, narrator) - adore this novella about Molly (former thief, now lady's maid) & Alice (wrongfully disowned) who team up to be gay and do crime (as reparative justice)

🥰 Stately Homes of Wiltshire (waspabi) - Drarry, 57K, more magical house stuff, on the more lighthearted side (but not without its share of angst)

🥰👂‍ The Body In The Library (Miss Marple #2) (Agatha Christie, author; Stephanie Cole, narrator) - Stephanie Cole is the perfect narrator for Miss Marple

😍 This, You Protect (Infinite Coffee & Protection Detail #1) (owlet) - 64K, recovering WS Stucky, one of the preeminent classics in the Stucky fandom featuring Cat Eleanor, The Olds, grilled cheeses and sheep pj pants - reread because it's been over 2 years

😍 Team-Building Exercises (Infinite Coffee & Protection Detail #2) (owlet) - 22K, vignettes and short one-shots of the first year of recovery after contact; delightful on its own but made to wrap around the longer sequel

💖💖 +223K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

all i need from you (is all your love) (wearing_tearing) - Stranger Things: Steddie, 34K - just a sweet canon-divergent AU with two loveable dumbasses falling for each other

Behind the Lens and Eye of the Beholder (rhysiana) - TW: Sterek, 2K & 8K - AU where Derek is a landscape photographer - the first is their meet cute, the 2nd is their camping and photography date; a truly delightful AU

Here Lies Steve Rogers, Death By Bucky Barnes (fingerprintbruises) - MCU: Stucky, 11K - oblivious friends/roommates to lovers via accidental dick pics

Keep It for Me (stereobone) - Stranger Things: Steddie, 9K - no one's seen Eddie for 7 years since he was whisked off to witness protection but he resurfaces again for Lucas & Max's wedding

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

nothing to report, watched zero things

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

Hit Parade - Without The Beatles

Hit Parade - The Bridge: Nostalgic for Number Ones

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Enchanted Hart Haus

Switched on Pop - The Vergecast: The future of music pt I

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Broken Angel

Hit Parade - We Are Stardust, We Are Gold-Certified

99% Invisible #509 - Tale of the Jackalope

Vibe Check - The Gag of the Century

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Oyotunji African Village

Shedunnit Book Club - Bonus: Ask Me Anything Part Three

Twenty Thousand Hertz+ - MicroHertz #7: Trailers Through the Decades

Into It - Queer Guys for Straight Eyes (Plus: What is Guy Branum Into?)

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Bloodroot Feminist Restaurant

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Almost Paradise: '80s Love Ballads

'80s Soft Pop

Presenting Santana

Mexican Rock Legends

Dub Instrumentals

Future Bass Instrumentals

Classic Rock Instrumentals

'70s Mellow Gold

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jephoto1 · 3 months

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Capturing Eternal Moments: Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire

As couples embark on their journey of love, they seek to immortalize their union in the most beautiful way possible. In the charming town of Swindon, amidst its picturesque landscapes and quaint settings, lies a treasure trove of memories waiting to be captured through the lens of a skilled photographer. Enter the world of Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire, where moments are transformed into timeless treasures.

In the heart of Swindon, amidst its vibrant streets and historic landmarks, couples find themselves immersed in the magic of their wedding day. With each step they take, they create memories that will last a lifetime. It is within this enchanting backdrop that Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire thrives, offering couples the opportunity to immortalize their love story through the art of photography.

Every couple dreams of a wedding day that is as unique as their love story. From the exchanging of vows to the joyous celebrations that follow, every moment is precious and deserves to be cherished for years to come. This is where Wedding Photography Swindon Wiltshire steps in, dedicated to capturing the essence of each moment with precision and passion.

At Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire, the focus goes beyond just taking photographs; it's about creating an experience that resonates with the couple's vision and style. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of images, every step is infused with creativity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the couple's desires.

The keyword "Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire" is more than just a phrase; it embodies a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling through imagery. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for capturing emotions, the team at Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire ensures that every photograph reflects the true essence of the moment.

One of the hallmarks of Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire is its ability to blend seamlessly into the fabric of each wedding day. Whether it's a grand celebration in a stately manor or an intimate gathering in a cozy countryside setting, the photographers have a knack for capturing the beauty of every moment, no matter the size or scale of the event.

As the sun sets on the horizon and the stars twinkle overhead, Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire continues to work its magic, preserving memories that will last a lifetime. From the tender moments shared between the newlyweds to the laughter and joy of friends and family, every photograph tells a story of love, laughter, and happily ever after.

The keyword "Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire" holds a special significance in the realm of wedding photography. It symbolizes a commitment to excellence, a dedication to storytelling, and a passion for capturing the beauty of life's most precious moments.

In a world where time seems to stand still, Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire serves as a beacon of light, guiding couples through the journey of love and ensuring that every moment is captured with grace and elegance. As couples exchange vows and embark on their new life together, they can rest assured knowing that their love story is in the capable hands of Wedding Photography Service Wiltshire.

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krystiangraca · 2 years

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Wiltshire Wedding Photographer

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artphotoboothphotography · 4 years

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Try our Photography Service!:) @artmanphotouk https://www.facebook.com/ArtManPhoto/ #photoshoot #wiltshire #wiltshirewedding #swindon #bristol #southwestuk #southwestukphotographer #devizes #weddinginspiration #weddingideas #18thbirthday #promideas #christmasparty #corporateevents ##weddingphotos #weddingparty #weddings #wedding #photographer #weddingphotographer #photographerbristol #weddingideas #weddingidea #weddingfun #weddinggift #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddinginspiration (at Devizes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B66T_KFjbJK/?igshid=l4vwzqymq23e

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bristol1in-blog · 4 years

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Wedding Photographer Bristol

Stewart Clarke, a qualified Bristol wedding photographer with over 15 years experience. Beautiful, relaxed wedding photography in Bristol, Wiltshire Gloucestershire and Somerset. Capturing life’s precious memories, with beautiful, timeless, creative wedding photography.

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nemesisbinxartifactseries · 5 years

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Artifact Series S

Saburo Miyakawa's Hachimaki *

Sacagawea's Cradleboard

Sacagawea's Indian Peace Medal

Sacred Papyri of Seleucia *

The Saddle of Bayard

Sadhu Fingernails

Sailor Mars' Transformation Pen

Saint Cuthbert's Chapel Gargoyle *

Saint George's Ring

Saint George's Lance and Shield

Saint James' Fuller's Club

Saint Jude's Carpenter's Rule

Saint Jerome's Lion Claw Thorn

Saint Lucia's Skull

Saint Matthew's Tax Lodger

Saint Matthias' Axe

Saint Nicholas' Gift Bag

Saint Nicholas' Three Stockings

Saint Patrick's Bell

Saint Paul's Cross-Hilted Sword

Saint Paul's Letter

Saint Peter's 2 Keys

Saint Peter's Sword

Saint Philip's Basket

Saint Sebastian’s Arrow

Saint Simon's Saw

Saint Thomas' Carpentry Square

Saint Valentine's Amethyst Ring

Sakyo Komatsu's Typewriter Ink Ribbon

Saleh's Camel Bone

Salem Saberhagen Animatron

Sallah, the Soothsaying Sultan *

Sally Rand's Ostrich Feather Fans

Sally Tompkins' Medical Kit

Salmaan Taseer's Glasses

Salt from Dallol, Ethiopia

Salvador Dali’s Cane

Salvador Dali's Moustache Wax

Salvador Dalí's Paintbrush

Salvation Army Bell

Salvator Fabris' Fencing Doublet

Salzburg Marionette Theater Marionette

Samantha Smith's Cap

Sam Hide's Half Crown

Sam Loyd's Black Queen

Sammy Davis Jr.'s Mezuzah

The Samsara Lotus

Sam Sheppard's Wrestling Boots

Sam Snead’s Golf Bag

Samson's Jawbone *

Samuel Allison's Dark Tinted Goggles

Samuel Clemens' Riverboat Whistle

Samuel Colt's Gun Barrel

Samuel Franklin Cody’s Kite

Samuel J. Seymour’s Safety Pin

Samuel Loring Morison’s Magazine Rack

Samuel Madden's Letter Opener

Samuel Pepys' Monocle

Samuel Pepys' Wheel of Parmesan Cheese

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Fishing Net *

Samuel Whittemore’s Musket

Samuel Ruben’s Batteries

Samus Aran's Armor

Sancho II of Portugal’s Ciborium

Sandbags from the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

The Sanderson Sisters' Black Flame Candle

Sandford Fleming's Postage Stamp

Sands of Hiroshima

Sands of Iwo Jima *

Sands of Normandy

Sandstone Bricks from the Pyramid of Giza

Santa Claus™ Hat

Santiago Ramón y Cajal's Microscope

Santorini Event Pumice Stone

Sapphires of Vali

Sarah A. Bowman’s Bread Tray

Sarah Bernhardt's Evening Gloves

Sarah Knauss' Personal Compact Mirror

Sarah Osbourne's Dress

Saraswati’s Veena

Sargon the Great's Mirrors *

Saturn V

Saxon Yule Log *

Sburb Beta Disks

Scaenae Frons from the Theatre of Dionysus

Scallop Shell of Zebedee

Scarab of Imhotep *

The Scarab Beetle Statue of Luxor

Scarecrow's Mask

“Scary” Lucille Ball Statue

Schaefer Beer Tray

Scheherazede's Bracelet

School of Salmon

Schrodinger's Cat

Schwinn Exercise Bike

Scope & Rifle from Elbe Day

Scorpion's Ropedart

Scorpus' Chariot

Scot Halpin’s Tour Jacket

Scott Joplin's Cigarette Case *

Scott Joplin's Piano *

Scott Joplin's Score for A Guest of Honor

Scott O'Grady’s Ejection Seat

SCP-WH13

Scroll of Qi

The Sea Cat

Searchlight from Alcatraz

Seat from Global Airlines Flight 33

Seaweed Stone Ball

Second Chance Heroes Artifacts

Secondo Pia’s Flashbulb

Secretariat's Horseshoes

Sedna's Seashell

Seductive Spectacles

SEES's Evokers

Selene's Tiara

Self-Answering Rotary Phone

Self-Constructing Building Blocks

Self-Replicating Birthday Candles

Senchán Torpéist's Lute

Seneb's False Door

Seraphim of Sarov’s Icon and Lestovka

Serial Killer Camera *

Serial Killer Hook

Sergeant Stubby's Coat

Sergei Brukhonenko's Autojektor

Sergei Korsakoff's Ruble Coin

Sergei Prokofiev's Chess Board

Sergio Corbucci's Personal Script of Django

Sergiusz Piasecki’s Grammar Book

Sessue Hayakawa’s Pierce Arrow

Seth Kinman’s Elkhorn Chair

Seth MacFarlane's "Family Guy" Concept Art

Seti I's Obelisk

Severus of Athens' Cronus Ring

Sexist Pickle Jar

Shah Jahan’s Peacock Throne

Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal Spire

Shaista Khan’s Sash

Shards of the Cross of St. Andrew

Sharicite Pendants

Shaka Zulu's Nkoka

Shaka Zulu's Iklwa

Shamu's Tank

Shang Rang's Army Shield

Shaolin Temple Robes

Sharbat Gula's Shawl

Shard from the Lens of the Lighthouse of Alexandria *

Sharkeisha's Winter Hat

Sharpie Permanent Marker

Sheet Music of Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz

Sheldon Silverstein's Guitar

Sheldon Silverstein's Shaving Razor

Shelvern's Black-Magic-Eyed Peas

Shell Fragment from the V-1 Doodlebug

Shem Drowne's Grasshopper

Shennong’s Plow

Sherman Adams’ Fur Coat

Sher Shah Suri's Helmet

Sheut Statuette

Shield from the Battle of Thermopylae

Shifting Chicken Egg

Shig Murao's Copy of "Howl"

Shigechiyo Izumi's Kimono

Shig Murao's Copy of "Howl"

Shigeru Miyamoto's Keyboard

Shinichi Suzuki's Violin

Shirley Jackson's Jewelry Box

Shiro Ishii's Medal *

Shirt of Nessus

Shivaji’s Bagh Naka

Shizou Kakutani's Geometry Set *

Shoes from the Tank Man

Shoichi Yokoi's Uniform

Shō Shin's Tonfa

Shotaro Ishinomori's Pen and Sketch Pad

Shower Head from "Psycho" *

Shylock's Coin Purse

Siberian Jukebox

Siberian Mammoth Tusk

Sigismund I the Old’s Tankard

Sigismund’s Order of the Dragon Emblem

Sigmund Freud's Cigar *

Sigmund Freud's Glasses

Sigmund Freud's Lighter

Sigmund Freud's Mantle Clock *

Sigmund Freud's Marble Tablet

Sigyn’s Bowl

Silap Inua Totem

Silene stenophylla

Silencing Librarian Glasses

Silk Sash of Mulan

Silver Bracelet *

Silver Bullet

Silver Cross Tavern Barrels

The Silver Crystal

Silver Necklace from the Atacama Desert Mines *

Silverpilen

Silver Transmuting Goblet

Simeon Bourgeois' Torpedo Shell

Simo Häyhä's Rifle

Simon Tookoome's Bullwhip

Simonides of Ceos' Tally Stick

Simon Stevin's Windmill

Sinclair Lewis' Desk

"Singin' in the Rain" Umbrellas

The Singing Bone

Sinon's Helmet

Sir Gawain's Jousting Helmet *

Sir Mix-A-Lot's Bling Ring

Siren Rock Pendent

Sister Parish's Rose Brooch

Sitting Bull's Riding Blanket *

Skanderberg's Helmet

Skeleton Key

Ski Gloves

Skip to My Lou Violin

Skis from the Winter of Terror

Slava Raškaj’s Alabaster Owl Carving

Slavoljub Eduard Penkala’s Hot Water Bottle

The Slayer's Scythe

Sledge Hammer from the Ohio State Prison Fire

Slender Suit

Slot Machine

Slow Mo Guy's Lab Coats

Slue-Foot Sue's Bustle

Smenkhkare's Coffin

Smiling Dog Photograph

Smell Negating Clothespin

Smokey Yunick's Cowboy Hat

Smoking Railroad Spikes *

"Snakeman's" Basket

Snarky Reading Glasses

Sneezing Panda Video Camera

Snowman Jack-in-the-Box

Snow White's Apple

Snow White's Mirror

Sobriety Coin

Soccer Ball from the Death Match

Sock Sowachowski's Hat

Socrates' Cup *

Socrates' Toga

Sodom and Gomorrah Salt Mask *

Sogdianus' Scimitar

Soichiro Honda's Bicycle Pedals

Solac Electric Toaster

Soldier of Fortune's Cloth Cap

Solomon W. Golomb's Polyominoes

Sonman Mine Pickaxe

Sonny and Cher's Old West Costumes

Sopdet's Star

Sophie Blanchard's Costume

Sophie Lyons' Gloves

Soren S. Adams' Jam Jar

Southern Cross Expedition Candle Holder

Souvenir Ashtray *

SpaceShipOne

The Spaghetti Tree

Spanish Flag from the Battle of Rocroi

Spanish Inquisition Costumes

Spartan Armor *

Spartacus' Armor

Sparticus' Retiarius *

Special Order 191 Cigars

Speed-Reading Lamp (canon)

Sphinx's Gear

Sphinx's Nose and Tablet

Spiked Torture Mask (canon)

Spindle from the Duke of Exeter's Daughter Torture Rack (canon)

Spirit of St. Louis' Propeller Spinner

Spine of the Saracen *

Splattering Heinz Ketchup Bottle

Spoon from Al Capone's Soup Kitchen

Spirit of St. Louis' Propeller Spinner

Spirit Tablets from the Boxer Rebellion

Spitball-Producing Straw

Spriggan Wings

Spring-Heeled Jack's Boots

Spyridon Louis’ Fustinella

Srinivasa Ramanujan's Stick

Squee's Teddy Bear, Shmee

SS Andrea Doria

SS Baychimo

SS Indiana's Hand Bell

SS Noronic Whistle

SS Violet, Griffon

Stack of 12 Cans of Campbell’s Soup *

Stacked-Deck Poker Table

Stadium Seats from the 1896 Olympics

Stage Door from CBGB's *

"Stagecoach" Mary Fields S&W .38 "Lemon Squeezer"

Stagelight from the UFO Club

Stairway B Railing

Staff of Set

Stamata Revithi's Document

Stan Rogers's Wedding Ring

Stanislaw Ulam's Calculator

Stanley Green’s Placard

Stanley Kramer's Film Reel

Stanley Thornton Jr.'s Baby Bottle

Stare Promoting Glasses

Star Jelly

Starkad's Norse Pendent

S.T.A.R.S. Samurai Edge Pistol

State vs Bonner Cap Gun

Statue from Trajan’s Column

Statues of Castor and Pollux *

Statue of Euryale

Statue of Heket

Statue of St. Bartholomew

Statues from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Statues of Zeus and Hera

Statuettes of Aphrodte and Eros

Steam Locomotive from the Burma Railway

Steel Girders From Warehouse 12

Stefania Follini’s Guitar

Stephen Decatur's Disguise

Stephen Hawking's Wheelchair

Stephen Hillenburg's Hawaiian Shirt

Stephen Wiltshire's Pen

Steve Bolander's '58 Chevy Impala

Steve Brodie's Dummy

Steve Clemente's Knife Box

Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo Patch

Steve Jobs' Hardrive

Steve Kordek's Pinball Machine

Steve McQueen's 650cc Triumph TR6 Trophy Motorcycle *

Steven Spielberg's Clapper Board

Stewart Farrar's Besom

Sticky String *

Stingy Jack's Turnip Lantern

"Stinking" Bishop's Kettle

St. Stephen's Church Weather Vane

Stolen Arm of Shiva

Stone-Changing Cheese Knife

Stone from Stonehenge *

Stone from the "Wailing Wall"

Stones from The Dancing Plague of 1518

Stones from the Flims Rockslide

Stone of Destiny

Stone of Truth

Stonewall Inn's Neon Sign

Stonewall Jackson's Piece of Shrapnel

Storage Door Knob

Stormtrooper E-11 Blaster Rifle

Strait of Messina Grindstone

Straightjacket from St. Mary of Bethlehem Asylum

The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back *

Studio 54 Disco Ball *

Stuffed Speckled Chachalaca

St. Valentine's Day Massacre M1 Thompson

Subtle Knife

Sucellus' Hammer

Sugar Ray Robinson's Pillow

Sugar Skull

Sulla's Grass Crown

Summer Camp Inflatable Mattress

Sunbeam Mix Master

Sundiata Keita’s Balafon

Sunny Malone's Chalk Drawing

Sunrise High Sierra Camp Hat

Sun Tzu's Dao Sword

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"

Superman's Suit

Supermarket Sweep Shopping Carts

Susan Hayward's Silk Dress

Susan Nolen-Hoeksema’s Glasses

Susanoo's Totsuka-no-Tsurugi (Sword of Strength)

Su Song's Armillary Sphere

Suzanne Oldsworth's Silver Thimble *

Svante Arrhenius’ Gloves

Svetlana Pankratova's Shoes

Svyatoslav Nikolayevich Fyodorov's Patient's Glasses

Sweeny Todd's Barber Shop Razor

Swiss Miss-Hap Mug *

The Sword in the Stone

Sword of Damocles

Sybil Leek's Smudge Fan

Sydney Newman's Rotary Phone

Sylvanus Morley's Pith Helmet

Sylvester Graham's Original Graham Crackers

Sylvia Browne's Pearl Earrings

Sylvia Plath's Typewriter *

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architectnews · 3 years

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Becontree Centenary Exhibitions, RIBA Galleries

Becontree Centenary Exhibitions RIBA Galleries London, Estate Buildings, British Architects News

Becontree Centenary Exhibitions, RIBA Galleries, London

15 September 2021

RIBA announces programme for the Becontree Centenary Exhibitions in the RIBA Galleries:

30 September 2021 – 5 February 2022

Lived in Architecture – Becontree Estate at 100

An artist commission with Verity-Jane Keefe, part of the Becontree Centenary programme

The Architecture Gallery, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1, FREE ADMISSION

The Tree of a Man named Beohha – Becontree now by Kalpesh Lathigra

Photography exhibition

First Floor Gallery, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1. FREE ADMISSION

Regent’s Park Installation ‘Bringing Home to the Unknown’

by POoR Collective with Year-10 students from Mayesbrook Park School, Becontree

Regent’s Park, opens 30 September

Becontree Estate London Commissions

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is marking the centenary of the ground-breaking Becontree Estate in East London with an ambitious series of art and architecture commissions, accompanied by events and a learning programme.

Once described as the largest council estate in the world, the Becontree Estate in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham remains the largest council estate in the UK, home to over 75,000 residents. Built 100 years ago and conceived as part of the Garden City movement, it was a feat of government planning and radical housing policy. Becontree set the agenda for housing that put wellbeing for its residents and typological innovation at the heart of its design. It was the originator of the cul-de-sac and most houses had both front and back gardens – unprecedented for public housing at the time.

Today, Becontree is a different estate, shaped by 100 years of changes in political decision-making, shifts in demographics and post-industrialization. The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is working to renew and revive the estate for current residents and future generations.

The Becontree centenary is a partnership project between Create London, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (LBBD) and RIBA, supported by LBBD and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional support has been granted by Arts Council England and the Span Trust.

Marie Bak Mortensen, Head of Exhibitions at RIBA:

“RIBA is delighted to be part of the Becontree Centenary. Through a variety of projects we aim to form new understandings of the estate by both residents and non-residents. The exhibitions and commissions highlight the role that residents have played in the development of Becontree since 1921 and the changing relationship between the physical space and its community.”

Lived in Architecture – Becontree Estate at 100

An artist commission with Verity-Jane Keefe, part of the Becontree Centenary programme

30 September 2021 – 05 February 2022

Architecture Gallery, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1. FREE ADMISSION

Drawing on her long-term engagement with the Becontree Estate as an artist in residence, RIBA has commissioned Verity-Jane Keefe to respond to the estate, it’s history and current community as it looks forward to the next 100 years.

Keefe has approached the estate as an archive in itself, analysing the layering and alterations to its buildings as a means of understanding the impact that housing policy and political decision-making have at ground level. The artist’s study of these physical outcomes reveals the impact of right to buy and de-industrialization amidst the lived experiences of the residents.

New artwork by Keefe will be presented alongside 33 objects from the RIBA Collections. This juxtaposition will highlight how adaptions, extensions and home-improvements by Becontree residents follow the same trajectory we see throughout history – that architecture is never finished, but ever-evolving as part of post-occupancy and over time reflects broader changes in society.

The commission is co-curated by RIBA and Create London, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Tree of a Man named Beohha – Becontree now by Kalpesh Lathigra

30 September – 05 February 2022

First Floor Gallery, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1. FREE ADMISSION

Photographer Kalpesh Lathigra has been commissioned to produce new work that will offer a nuanced study of the architecture on the Becontree Estate in 2021. The series complements the exhibition with Verity-Jane Keefe. Working predominantly on international projects, Lathigra was born, raised and still resides in East London. Through this commission, he will turn his attention to an area that is both familiar and new to him. It will be his debut public solo show in the UK, with the photographs being permanently accessioned into the RIBA Collections.

The commission is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Span Trust.

Regent’s Park Installation ‘Bringing Home to the Unknown‘

by POoR Collective with Year-10 students from Mayesbrook Park School, Becontree

Regent’s Par

Opening 30 September 2021

A collaboration between students from Mayesbrook Park School, an alternative provision school in Becontree, and social enterprise POoR (Power Out of Restriction) Collective will result in a new public realm installation in central London’s Regent’s Park. This is the culmination of a series of workshops that have explored ideas of belonging and activating public spaces. The installation will express the young people’s collective experiences of central London as a mythical place – a landmark in their memory – that represents an area so close to Becontree, yet so far away from their reality and daily life. Through a colourful and functional structure, the young people will take residence in the park, using their voice to create a place where they can have a genuine stake in and invite park dwellers to perform new uses of the iconic park with them.

The commission delivered in partnership with Royal Parks and is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Span Trust.

Villa Medici, Rome. Relief plasterwork originated in Italy but ‘pargeting’ is seen in the estate and historically throughout Essex: photo © RIBA Collections

Highlights from RIBA Talks and Events programme:

Curator Tours

Wednesday 06 October, Wednesday 20 October, Wednesday 19 January, Wednesday 02 February

Tickets: £5

All tours will run 6.00pm -7.00pm, unless stated, and will be held at 66 Portland Place

Radical Housing in Essex: A coach tour – in partnership with Focal Point Gallery

Saturday 23 October

Tickets: £50 Standard, Member concessions available

A day-long tour starting at our HQ building in 66 Portland Place that will take attendees out to the Becontree estate and beyond to visit several examples of innovative housing models in and around Essex.

Becontree Takes Over – A RIBA Late

Wed 01 December

RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1. FREE ADMISSION

An evening of free talks, workshops and performances across our HQ building in 66 Portland Place that will showcase the creativity of the community that surrounds the Becontree estate.

Opening in March 2022

Squaring the Corners – a permanent landscape commission by nimtim architects with artist Katie Schwab

Becontree Estate

On site Nov 2021- Feb 2022; launch March 2022

The Becontree Estate, one of the first and largest estates informed by the ideas of the Garden City movement was designed with a vast amount of open, green space including over 2,000 ‘corner plots’ at the end of rows of houses, which are now often neglected or underused.

This commission with nimtim architects and artist Katie Schwab will redesign 12 of these into 3 new public squares for people to rest, play, grow and meet. Each square encourages new activities and performs new functions by inviting residents to take ownership of them. The designs are inspired by geometries, colours, and materials that already exist within the estate.

The Corner Plot commission is co-commissioned by Create London and RIBA, supported by London Borough of Barking & Dagenham through Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy

The Architecture Gallery commission with artist Verity-Jane Keefe is co-curated by Pete Collard, RIBA and Diana Ibáñez López, Create London.

The photography commission is co-curated by Pete Collard and Marie Bak Mortensen, RIBA.

The Becontree Centenary is a partnership project between Create London, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (LBBD) and RIBA, supported by LBBD and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

RIBA’s projects are part of Becontree Forever, a programme led by LBBD to celebrate the estate’s groundbreaking and radical beginnings and reimagine its future. becontreeforever.uk

Verity-Jane Keefe is a visual artist working predominantly in the public realm to explore the complex relationship between people and place. She is interested in the role and potential of the artist within urban regeneration. Working with moving image, text and installation to explore possible taxonomies of everyday life. She has a long-term working relationship with Barking and Dagenham, making work for, about and with the borough since 2006 as well as across outer London and internationally. Since 2018, Keefe has been working on Living Together, a multidisciplinary art project https://livingtogether.org.uk/. She is also lead artist on the design team for a Good Growth Funded project in Thamesmead, with Peabody, reopening a former social club in 2022.

Kalpesh Lathigra’s work occupies the space between documentary and art. He was educated in Photojournalism at the London College of Printing before joining the Independent as a staff photographer and later covering news and features as a freelancer for the UK national press. In 2000, he left newspaper work to dedicate his practice to documentary projects and assignments. In 2003, he embarked on a long-term project documenting the lives of widows in India, receiving The W.Eugene Smith Fellowship. Kalpesh published the monograph Lost in the Wilderness in 2015, a five-year body of work looking at life with the Oglala Sioux at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. His forthcoming book Memoire Temporelle will be published in 2021.

Create London is an arts organisation that has pioneered working with artists to realise new social enterprises, charities and cultural spaces. It commissions, curates and incubates long-term projects that are useful to society, supporting artists to work collaboratively with local communities. It reimagines the role of the artist in the city, working outside of galleries to find new and often surprising ways for art to become part of everyday life. Create London is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Power Out of Restriction is a social enterprise that focuses on the development of communities through the elevation of young people. POoR sees the power of the younger generation and seeks to get young voices heard. Through knowledge sharing and design, we aim to bridge the gap between communities, bring together a wealth of demographics, and empower the youth of today.

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is one of London’s most exciting and fastest growing boroughs. The Council is investing in their physical infrastructure and in the community, providing what people need to be able to help themselves.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund – Using money raised by the National Lottery, they Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. The RIBA is a registered charity and relies on the generosity of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to preserve its world-class collections, to maintain free public access to its exhibitions and to develop a diverse and exciting public events programme.

Becontree Centenary Exhibitions London images / information from RIBA

Location: 66 Portland Place, London, England, UK

RIBA Events Archive

RIBA Archive Links

RIBA publishes new Design for Manufacture and Assembly guidance

Winners of 2020 RIBA President’s Medal for Research and Research Awards 2020 RIBA President’s Awards for Research

RIBA News 2020 RIBA News & Events 2020 – recent updates below:

RIBA announces winners of 2020 President’s Medals RIBA President’s Medals Student Awards 2020

RIBA Annie Spink Award 2020

RIBA News in London

RIBA London Events – Archive

RIBA HQ at 66 Portland Place

RIBA Gold Medal for Architecture

Chartered Institute of Building

RIBA Awards

RIBA Stirling Prize

RIBA Honorary Fellowships

Comments / photos for the Becontree Centenary Exhibitions, RIBA Galleries page welcome

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needlefac · 3 years

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I Travelled back to home Bolton this weekend (09.07.21) and its a big deal. I've been fully out as trans just less than one year. I have only seen my mother twice and my father once in that time. My uncle, cousin and her twin boy and girl are coming up from down south to see me too. I was nervous to say the least. This is just my diary of the weekend and I hope it resonates with some of you. Family can be difficult and I know my experience isn't unique but I feel like sharing this is necessary. I feel weird being in my old room. I was so sad here sometimes. I can see marks in the wall where I literally punched it. My mum has papered over it (no need to over egg the metaphor there) and she calls it the “guest room” now. I’m a guest in my own memory. Mum was digging out some old photos and I look miserable in most of them. Even at weddings, no especially at weddings. I mean, who’s the bitch in the frock getting all the glory! Oh yeah, it’s my sister. It wasn’t always bad here but I did have to run away to be who I am. I know that “small town boy” thing is a cliché but it’s totally true. Bolton is a dead town if your interests include techno, contemporary art and wearing latex. (Not necessarily in that order) It’s 01.45 am. The glow on the horizon from this window is Manchester. Only 15 miles away but a world of difference. I’ve only been back here 5 hours and I’m looking at that perceived emerald city like I used to. I’d tune into Kiss 102 and listen to the city until I was old enough to get there at night. The 0161 wasn’t always the answer but it allowed me to be Freda. When I got here today my dad was in bed. I took that a bit personally. He’s not seen me since Christmas, he could have stayed up a bit. I don’t know if he’s avoiding me or just tired. I’ll find out tomorrow, I suppose. My mum acts like everything is ok no matter what. There could be a hurricane coming at the house and she would just close the curtains and say “let’s deal with it later when we’ve all calmed down”. I wanted the hurricane so badly when I was young. I should stop over thinking this. I’ve had wine. I can’t sleep. I woke up early because my eyes were all crusty and itchy and my breathing was shallow. Then I realised the pillows my mum had put on the bed were feather and I'm slightly allergic. So that wasn't the best start but like everything about Bolton, I'm slightly allergic. My mums first concern of the day was picking up a bag of compost form the local hardware place, Maher's. In my mind I hear her say, 'I need some dirt from Mars'. Which causes the first laugh of the day. She needs me to do things like this for her because my dad can no longer drive due to a stroke he had 2 years ago. Anyroad, l wait outside Maher's for my mum and a burly lad in an England shirt brings out 3 bags of compost and says to me 'where do you want this, love?'. 'In my boot, love. Where all the shit goes', I say. When my mum comes back to the car l say 'oh he was cute', mainly to test her tolerance and also because I'm an idiot. Mum simply said 'football is going home'! So when we got back to the house my dad was up and shuffling around like he does. He's interested in the camera drone l bought. He wont say anything about me being trans or call me Freda. It doesn't even bother me. The fact he wants to learn to fly a remote control camera over next doors house is much more fun in that moment. He crashes it into the tree and he shouts 'mission abort mission abort'. Yeh, that's how l feel about coming to Bolton most of the time. My dad was in the RAF as an aerial photographer. I knew he would enjoy this but he was getting all too technical for a 80 quid plastic toy off amazon. I don't know what 'triangulation of trajectory' is. I always feel like Bobby Hill in these moments (my dad was actually a salesman for Calor Gas and sold propane and propane accessories for a while). Anyway, I think he appreciates that I found something to break the ice, even if he wont say she/her or call me Freda yet. I had to get out of the house before my cousin and her children turn up. She knows all about my transition and is very supportive but l haven't seen her for 5 years and it will be the first time I've met her twin boy and girl who are 7 years old now. The main reason for getting out was to explore Bolton town centre. Somewhere I've not been for quite some time. I went to one of my old haunts, The Olde Man and Scythe which is one of the oldest pubs in England, going back to the 13th century. They used to hang traitors outside here during the Civil War. So I decided to sit out side there reading Majesty Magazine sipping a gin and tonic in the Sun. Imagine living in a time when a culture war raged and people were divided along binary political lines and everyone was expected to take a side? Just imagine! I've never felt more fully actualised as a person as when a drunken fool approaches me and says 'oh you look nice, love. Can l steal a roly off you'. Yes, I'm truly validated as a woman now. This is it! No amount of psychological counselling can top this. As l lick the cigarette paper and make eye contact with this feckless tosspiece I'm reminded of how precarious my situation is if he clocks me. Is he going to read me? No he's too enthralled by my wide staring eyes, the silly sod. My next stop was the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery. There is an Egyptian room which l love. So, naturally took some photos to align myself with Queen Nefertiti and all my delusional fantasies of being some sort of mythical goddess. The thing that interests me most about this is the cotton industry connection. In my artwork and performance staging l take a lot of influence from the industrial revolution. The fact that Egyptian cotton was instrumental in that is something that creates a timeline we are all insignificant on. Its both cosmic and visceral, esoteric and factual. Seeing those cotton spinning machines alongside the astrological ambitions of ancient kings is so centring to me. An absolute connection of Heaven and Earth. From the universe of stars to the factory floor, Everything was built on immortality ambitions of industrialists and cotton in this town. I had to come down a bit from that museum experience. Whoever is curating that needs some sort of award. I had to get ready to meet my cousin, Sarah who is just one month older than me. We have lead parallel lives . Her Mother, my dad's sister moved away down south when she met her husband. They live in Wiltshire and she was educated in a way l wasn't. I've always had memorable moments with Sarah on the rare times we have spent together over the years. In some ways she was the girl l wanted to be when l was young. I was never jealous of her or held any bitterness but l remember wishing my parents would talk to me in the same way Sarah was. It just seemed to make more sense to me how her needs were met. It might be hindsight talking but I genuinely wished all the gifts for Sarah were the gifts for me. I was getting ready in my old bedroom and just trying to make myself look normal. Not some over done drag race also-ran. I've got pretty good at doing a 'day look' but even my day look is still scraping on foundation like Polyfilla! My mum came in saying 'that dress makes you look fat'. Thanks mum. This is just my mums way of trying to be funny. She said my neck looked naked and l wasn't sure what she meant. She went off to her bedroom and came out with a string of beads that looked like snooker balls on a rope. (yes, I exaggerate for comic effect). As she was hooking the necklace to the back of my neck l was held in a moment of mother/daughter interaction that produced a tear from my eye that l just didn't want to show. Time stopped there in that moment like every time that didn't happen in the past happened then in one consolidated event of simple love and I pretended to be more annoyed that I'd have to reapply my eye liner. So I drive with my mum and dad in the car to meet Sarah, the twins and my Uncle at the restaurant in the West Pennine Moors of Bolton. Its been such a build up this moment and now there is no bottling out. I'M here, I'm Freda and they are just going to have to deal with it. I see my cousin rolling up in their 4x4 super posh child transporter and the kids get out first and run up to me and l don't know what to do when they say 'hello aunty Freda'. I know they have be briefed, l know Sarah has told them to do this but even so those words feel like gold. Sarah says I look great and l bloody-well do, to be fair. No one mentions or brings up my trans-ness and while its noted my dad is the odd one out in not calling me Freda I notice the support is on my side. One of Sarah's children whispers to the other while looking at me. I say 'are you two ok there' and they say 'we like the drawing on your arm'. Its telling that the only thing they notice about me is the tattoo. I'm sure they have more to ask in time and I'm so glad they have a mother who is relaxed and open enough to answer any questions they might have in future as they grow up. I'd like to think my presence and influence is a good one. This wasn't the big deal I'd been building it up to be but my mum continues to embarrass me with her ways. She bought Sarah and the kids a few gifts which were in the boot of my car. While she was giving out all these lovely things she said to me 'Freda, don't forget that bag of compost from mars, ill save some for you'. Thanks mum. Bye bye Sarah. Don't leave it so long next time. I Drove my parents home and said my goodbyes. My dad didn't say much, just 'be careful with the drone. if you fly too high it will go out of out control'. I know dad, l know. Freda's come home.

#transgender trans comingout

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kevinbelson · 3 years

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Cotswolds Wedding Photographers

Wedding Photography in The Cotswolds Even though we are based in Wiltshire we would definitely consider ourselves Cotswolds Wedding Photographers. We photograph most of our weddings in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a large area of beautiful English Countryside. It includes the counties Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. It’s full of gorgeous wedding…

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artphotoboothphotography · 5 years

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Amazing Dance! Bride and her Dad ! #photography #photographer #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddingphotos #wilthsirephotographer #photographersouthwest #southwestukphotographers #devizesphotographer #devizes #wiltshire #bristol #swindon #weddingshots #weddingshot #artphotography #artphotoboothphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/BzXsR2CDrW5/?igshid=1vxakeikgsd41

#photography #photographer #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddingphotos #wilthsirephotographer #photographersouthwest #southwestukphotographers #devizesphotographer #devizes #wiltshire #bristol #swindon #weddingshots #weddingshot #artphotography #artphotoboothphotography

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grantmkemp · 4 years

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Taken 112 years ago, this photogenic 4-year-old would find fame on the other side of the lens .... Read more below

Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton, CBE was a British fashion, portrait, and war photographer, diarist, painter, and interior designer, as well as an Oscar–winning stage and costume designer for films and the theatre.

When Beaton was growing up his nanny (Ninnie Collard pictured with him on the sandy beach) had a Kodak 3A Camera, a popular model which was renowned for being an ideal piece of equipment to learn on. Beaton's nanny began teaching him the basics of photography and developing film. He would often get his sisters and mother to sit for him. When he was sufficiently proficient, he would send the photos off to London society magazines, often writing under a pen name and ‘recommending’ the work of Beaton.

Beaton attended Harrow School, and then, despite having little or no interest in academia, moved on to St John's College, Cambridge, and studied history, art and architecture. Beaton continued his photography, and through his university contacts managed to get a portrait depicting the Duchess of Malfi published in Vogue. It was actually George "Dadie" Rylands – "a slightly out-of-focus snapshot of him as Webster's Duchess of Malfi standing in the sub-aqueous light outside the men's lavatory of the ADC Theatre at Cambridge." Beaton left Cambridge without a degree in 1925.

Beaton is known for his fashion photographs and society portraits. He worked as a staff photographer for Vanity Fair and Vogue in addition to photographing celebrities in Hollywood. In 1938, he inserted some tiny-but-still-legible anti-Semitic phrases (including the word 'kike') into American Vogue at the side of an illustration about New York society. The issue was recalled and reprinted, and Beaton was fired.

Beaton returned to England, where the Queen recommended him to the Ministry of Information (MoI). He became a leading war photographer, best known for his images of the damage done by the German Blitz. His style sharpened and his range broadened, Beaton's career was restored by the war.

Beaton often photographed the Royal Family for official publication. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was his favourite royal sitter, and he once pocketed her scented hankie as a keepsake from a highly successful shoot. Beaton took the famous wedding pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (wearing an haute couture ensemble by the noted American fashion designer Mainbocher).

During the Second World War, Beaton was first posted to the Ministry of Information and given the task of recording images from the home front. During this assignment he captured one of the most enduring images of British suffering during the war, that of 3-year-old Blitz victim Eileen Dunne recovering in hospital, clutching her beloved teddy bear. When the image was published, America had not yet officially joined the war, but images such as Beaton's helped push the Americans to put pressure on their government to help Britain in its hour of need.

Beaton had a major influence on and relationship with Angus McBean and David Bailey. McBean was a well-known portrait photographer of his era. Later in his career, his work is influenced by Beaton. Bailey was influenced by Beaton when they met while working for British Vogue in the early 1960s. Bailey's use of square format (6x6) images is similar to Beaton's own working patterns.

Beaton died on 18th January 1980, at Reddish House, his home in Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, four days after his 76th birthday.

This is my colourised version of a black, and white photograph taken by an unknown photographer in 1908

Restoring Your Past … Website

Restoring Your Past … on Facebook

#cecil beaton #British #fashion #portrait #war photographer #diarist #painter #interior designer #oscar-winning #stagephotography #costume #Edwardian #vintage #history #colourised #colorized #Photo Colourisation #photo colorization

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nikcarterme-blog · 4 years

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Best UK Wedding Photographers | Photography Prices Wedding

Nik Carter is an award-winning documentary wedding photographer based in Wiltshire but shooting weddings all over the UK and Europe. For more details visit - https://nikcarter.co.uk/wedding-photography

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ultracatspyjamas · 7 years

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It was very important to me to get this one right. I don’t think I have got it right but I’m definitely prepared to work on improving it. While it is very simple I feel it says everything it needs to.

Hollywood. Where the boulevards are laced with stars, dreams come true and hearts break. There are so many songs about California as a State in general. Phantom Planet’s California, The Distillers’ City of Angels, The Eagles’ Hotel California, The Beach Boys’ California Girls, Hole’s Celebrity Skin and Malibu, to name a handful. This Particular piece is referring to The Runaways “Hollywood”. The lyrics go like this... “Each night alone I dream that I’m a rebel roller queen. I’ll be a star that shines, I can make the whole world mine. Hollywood it feels so good, Hollywood it feels so good. Each day at home I scheme for the fame and fortune dream. Gonna be a superstar with my fancy clothes and cars. Hollywood it feels so good, Hollywood it feels so good.”

I often wondered what it would be like in Hollywood as a child, like I’m sure a lot of other children have done in the past and still will do in the future. You hear about the Starlets such as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly, stars of today “living the dream” are in the tabloids every day. But I never fully understood the appeal, maybe I still don’t. But the easiest way for me to tell you how this idea came to me is with a story. So here goes...

I was woken up being told to pack my bag on the 22nd June this year in the Luxor hotel on the Las Vegas strip. Myself and my wife were visiting with friends for our 3rd wedding anniversary. So I come to my senses, put the hangover to the back of my mind and finally ask why I need to pack, we’re not due to leave until tomorrow. A road trip. We were going on road trip. Before I knew it my bags were packed, I was checking out of the hotel and I was getting into the back of a Volvo. We had no real plan other than a room on hotwire in El Monte. I don’t ever remember being as spontaneous as this day. We left Vegas during at heatwave at 47 degrees, for some reason we decided on a pit stop in Death Valley - now 53 degrees. I chose a place on the map and gave our best friend/photographer/driver/tour guide/Ben directions based on my wife’s love for the TV series “The OC”. We were heading for Newport Beach driving through Orange County as the sun was setting; what a glorious site! We got out of the car in Balboa to get a foot ferry to Newport - at this point I can honestly say that after the heat wave in Vegas and the temperature of Death Valley, 22 degrees had never felt so cold. We did the only thing that felt right, purchased corndogs from the boardwalk café “Ruby’s” and acted like we were part of a set. The next stop was to find our hotel. We seemed to be driving into what seemed like a pretty rough area so I decided to google El Monte. Google treated me to all sorts of stories including a news article from the night before “Man Shot Dead Outside M Motel in El Monte.” I should have known we were staying at The M Motel. So we pull up to barbed wire security fences and drive round the back to find that the birds eye view of the pool advertised online was actually nothing more than a blue blob painted on the ground. There was a broken toilet in the middle of the courtyard and cockroaches coming out of a woman's room who didn’t seem to mind that every passer by could see her back side. We didn’t make it to our room. We were back in the car, back on the road and back on hotwire in less than a minute. I gave Ben the zip code for our new hotel. By now it was dark and late but the buzz of the LA freeway was still there and the City’s lights seemed brighter than ever. Before long we arrived at The Hilton in Long Beach - much better! After a nightcap it was definitely time for bed as we had no idea as to what the next day had in store and we still needed to make our rescheduled flight out of LAX.

7am, I’m awake and looking over the balcony down Long Beach - totally surreal. Quick shower then we were back in the Volvo but this time heading to Beverly Hills after a much needed pancake stack and coffee. There we were driving down Santa Monica Boulevard, taking in the sights and how everyone seemed to just look famous. We got to The Beverly Wiltshire Hotel (for those of you who don’t know this is the hotel from the film Pretty Woman) and it felt absolutely mandatory to get out and have a selfie. I’d like to say that we composed ourselves on this drive but we definitely didn’t, windows down blasting Wheezers “Beverly Hills” and singing along at the top of our voices. Tourists. By now we only had time for one more stop before we had to be at the airport. Of course it was Hollywood, and we were heading straight for the hills. Driving up Beachwood Drive, the lanes were getting more narrow but the houses were getting bigger. And then I saw it. The lump came in my throat, my eyes filled up and I gasped out loud. I never knew how I’d feel. I still can’t describe how it felt. You see pictures and see it in the films but it’s something you don’t necessarily expect to see in real life. I certainly didn’t expect it to be that big. In front of my eyes was the Hollywood sign. We drove further to get closer, past even bigger houses and past the Hollywood Reservoir next to Beachwood Canyon. It was huge. It was beautiful. But the sight I will never forget is the view from the top. The City of Los Angeles, the famous Boulevards, the homes of the rich and famous, the forgotten souls on the streets who went to find fame, the awe and the wonder. When I left I didn't have holiday blues, I felt homesick. I felt this deep yearning to be back. Because in Hollywood my skin felt acceptable. My marriage felt acceptable. I wasn’t worried to walk down Hollywood Boulevard holding my wife’s hand. You could still smell the big city but it was just far away enough that you felt free.

Hollywood. It feels so good.

#wsafoundation #hollywood

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