Tag Archives: Places

Carnegie Libraries and the Tipton Slasher

I went to Sandwell, west of Birmingham, in the West Midlands before Christmas. It’s also known as the Black country because it was the heart of the industrial revolution with foundries and smoke everywhere, making stuff for the British Empire.

Several of the libraries are Carnegie Libraries. Andrew Carnegie was once the richest man in the world. He sold his steel empire and spent the rest of his days giving money for libraries and learning institutions around the world. Carnegie Libraries have a feel about them. They are usually quite ornate in a Art Nouveau/Arts and crafts style. Many libraries retain original features. I used to love the old toilets that would have mahogany seats and giant wooden cisterns and sometimes floral paired bowls! They all seem to have been replaced with modern systems now but often the brass looks and door fittings remain.

Find out more about Andrew Carnegie here:

and more about carnegie Libraries here:

Sandwell in the West Midlands is one of the few authorities still trying to keep up their Libraries. As they keep stocking them with new books, so new subscribers come from adjoining authorities who are cutting back, which goes to show that if you provide the books, people will come. Library usage statistics are so easily distorted – if there are no books, obviously no one will visit the library, giving evidence and support to those wishing to close it down!

Thimblewell Library, run by Julie who looked after me this week, is thriving with music events and all sorts of community groups meeting and using the most adaptable and wonderful art deco building.

Featuring the following libraries in the west midlands:Thimblemill Library, Hradely Heath Library, Langley Library, West Bromwich Central Library, Wednesbury library, Tipton Library

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How to draw the Statue of Liberty Real Easy


click to enlarge

click to enlarge

This is something I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time now. I was first asked to draw this by the reception or year one class at the British School in Brussels. Sadly I forgot to take pictures of their work, but they were truly wonderful!

Ludlow in Shropshire – A medieval town

ludlow-stocksLast week we visited the ancient town of Ludlow in Shropshire in England. It’s full of medieval half-timbered houses complemented by fine Georgian and Victorian architecture. It must have been a rich market town in its day. It still must be doing well, judging by the kind of shopping to be had there.

Ring the bell at the Castle Lodge, pay your three ponds and you will be treated to the most eccentric visit to an historic building ever!

For some reason the county name of Shropshire is shortened to Salops!

We were on our way to visit Stokesay Castle , which will be the subject of the next video.