Unearthing history In Dulwich

Another back-blip, I’m afraid. 

Our final day in a London sees us heading south to Dulwich where the eponymous Picture Gallery is hosting its first major photography exhibition, Unearthed: Photography’s Roots - tracing the ‘rich history of the medium through depictions of nature, with over 100 works by 41 leading international artists’. 

It is fascinating, showing plant and flower photography from pioneering days to the present, including ‘key figures such as William Henry Fox Talbot and Imogen Cunningham as well as several overlooked photographers including rare works by Japanese artist, Kazumasa Ogawa and the English gardener, Charles Jones.’ 

I particularly like the work of Anna Atkins and Cecilia Gleisher dating back to the mid C19, and focusing on ferns and algae, but there are many other examples of stunning images (see extras). I’m so disappointed that the exhibition catalogue has sold out! 

https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

From here, it’s through the park to The Horniman Museum. It’s another first for us, though Simon and Lloyd have been before. What an eclectic collection of natural history, anthropology and musical instruments! Dating from the time of the personal collections of the Victorian collector John Horniman, there is a naivety and intimacy about this place, and unsurprisingly, it’s full of families enjoying a Sunday outing. 

The collection of musical instruments is a clear winner for G and Simon, but it is Lloyd who becomes engrossed in the hands-on (sanitised hands of course) exhibit that lets you hear the sounds made by the vast array of weird and wonderful instruments, and it’s this that is my main, the light from the desk illuminating his face. 

I’ve made a reasonable attempt to catch up with your journals - but I’m still not there yet. Apologies for the brevity of comments and the paucity of hearts. I never have enough to reward your wonderful blips anyway, but when you’re several days behind there really is no hope!