The Interesting People you happen to meet

Last Saturday we had a day out in Folkstone. Not my usual choice for the seaside, but we went to find a shop called Rennies. Their internet site said they had books on Eric Ravilious and I thought I'd have a look at them before buying.

The shop was fascinating! Lots of vintage goodies, including books and posters. I was looking thru their shelf of new books and the man behind the desk asked if I was looking for anything in particular. We got talking about my interests, (all things vintage/retro and currently all things Ravilious). I mentioned I was doing a degree in Garden Design and he casually said 'I'll give you a CD of an article I've just had published called 'The Illustrated Garden'. I also ended up buying a book on the 1951 Festival of Britain which looked a good read.
When I got home I looked at the book's author, Paul Rennie. I printed the article, also by Paul Rennie, so I googled him. He's Dr Paul Rennie and Head of Graphic Design at St Martins, London, and writes and gives talks on design and illustration from the 30s onwards. I wish I'd known at the time! I'll try to find our where he's speaking and get along to one of his lectures.

Anyway back to the Calverley Grounds plan we're doing at school. We had an interesting task on Monday; a sketch design in 1.5 hours. I quite like having to think fast like that, I don't find it too difficult. What was obvious when we all pinned up was that I was thinking in too much detail to begin with. I also need to make my colours and graphics stronger and less fiddly. What I drew was lost on a large wall. Still, that's how you learn so it was a great exercise. I think I'll investigate drawing in a more blocky, abstract way and see if that gets my ideas across clearly.

I also got a book out of our local library with an old 1950's photo of Calverley grounds, that should be useful for our study document. I'll take it in tomorrow and Felix can decide if he wants to use it. Next week's job is to do some more research on Tonbridge and Calverley in particular.

A whole new world

Well, this is fun! I can't quite believe I've joined the 21st centuary and am writing a blog.


It's cheating a bit because I have been requested to do this. Let me explain. As part of my Degree course, we have been asked to write a weekly blog. It should talk about our Masterplanning unit, show pictures, and describe what we are doing design-wise.

So this week we visited the park that we are studying, Calverley Park in Tonbridge Wells. It's laid out with slopes either side and a valley in between. There were quite a few people using the space, on a Monday afternoon, which was surprising. I wouldn't have thought anyone would have been interested in drinking tea outside, or playing croquet but several were. Perhaps they were escaping from someone or something?! Anyway this week we need to research some local history and find out a bit more about the area.


Last week we were asked to find some favourite designers. How difficult! In the process I've just discovered more fascinating people to investigate. For example, I was reading an article about a textile designer in Norfolk who takes inspiration from Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden. I googled them and have discovered that I really like Ravilious. I now want to go off on a tangent and find out more about him. Still, I suppose I can just about get away with that, not exactly garden design, but design in general.


Enough rambling, I need to keep this a bit more focussed! More info and pictures next week. I think I may enjoy this, releasing my inner author!