Goosey Goosey Gander

Visions of English Literature exhibition

Nottingham Djanogly Gallery (another freebie)

Paula Rego exhibition of etchings based on English Nursery Rhymes, Peter Pan and Jane Eyre.

In 1989 Rego made these etchings of nursery rhymes for adults. I love the fact that she ramped up the contrasts conveyed by these old rhymes in which emotions reflect contrast greatly; darkness and light, vengeance and forgiveness, pleasure and pain. I like the way Rego felt that Children understood conflicting emotions more than adults, because that's how they often feel, but that 'grownups' played down these feelings.


This influence particularly resonates with me as a chronic pain sufferer and I loved the image and it's historical evolution.


Chronic Pain - Botox Injections
I popped into the exhibition en route to my quarterly botox clinic appointment at QMC hospital- much to my relief. I arrived early and my consultant passed his next patient to a less experienced team member - presumably less complex or interesting than my situation.

Missed another gig tonight due to fatigue and with me going to London tomorrow. No car today so a long trip by public transport taking up most of the day.


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Modern version of rhyme
Goosey goosey gander,
Whither shall I wander?
Upstairs and downstairs
And in my lady's chamber.
There I met an old man
Who wouldn't say his prayers,
So I took him by his left leg
And threw him down the stairs.


Historical derivation
 It is first recorded in 1784. Interesting influences include:
*The persecution of catholic priests preaching in latin post Henry VIII, resulting in being taken from the house (thrown down the stairs)
* Left leg was slang for Catholic priests
* "Wouldn't say his prayers" could refer to the banning of Latin prayers 
* Goose" still has a sexual meaning in ("In my lady's chamber") and was also a term for prostitutes.
* "wandering" possibly refers to the spread of STIs.


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Nearing the end of my overly busy period so normal blip service to be resumed soon. Thanks for your continued likes etc x