windows

A lingering look at Glasgow windows
Looking in to those famous tea room windows

Looking in to those famous tea room windows

Well, you knew it was going to happen, didn’t you?  There was never any doubt that I’d find a few interesting windows in Glasgow. The difficulty will be knowing where to stop!  The Willow Tea Rooms were a treat for the eyes and other parts too.

Cream tea, anyone?

Cream tea, anyone?

I didn’t have time for ‘the works’ but I can vouch for the whisky and sultana slice.  I’d better do this in gallery form, or we’ll be here all day!  Just click on any photo, as usual.

Here I go, down the stairs from the tea room
There’s a tea room squeezed in on Buchanan St. too
And the Princes Shopping Centre comes highly recommended
Opposite stately windows like this
How about a hint of reflection?
Or lots! And soggy people too.
And a few folks hanging about
But these guys were still cheerful in the rain

I came across all kinds of architecture, as you would in a city.

Some very colourful
Or some with just a hint of colour
Some for fashionistas
Or the young at heart
Some, more ‘old school’
And some on neglected old buildings
Like Kingston Halls
One I even spotted for a friend. Hi Jude!
And even one with a subterranean Dalek!
And a beauty on a building site

But the saddest window of all?  The view from the coach, going home.

The misty rain-drenched valleys!

The misty rain-drenched valleys!

I hope you enjoyed my tour of Glasgow windows.  I’m off to see what Dawn has in her Lingering windows challenge this week.  Come join me?

 

A Lingering look through glass factory windows
Looking out of the National Glass Centre, Sunderland

Looking out from the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland

In my Monday post A promenade to Roker we took a walk through Sunderland’s ship building past.  Though ships are no longer built here, a thriving cargo trade has developed on the River Wear today.  The National Glass Centre occupies the former site of J. L. Thompson and Sons shipyard, on the north bank of the river, and is witness to most of the comings and goings.

Glass making was introduced to Britain from France in 674, specifically for the windows of the Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Priory, which stood not far from here. The industry thrived on cheap local coal in the 18th century, and Sunderland gradually established a name for glass.  The Pyrex factory was based here until its closure in 2007.

The construction of the National Glass Centre in 1998 was a bold move, part of a regeneration scheme in a declining area.  Today the centre is free to visit, with daily guided tours.

Keep an eye on the boats while you admire the glassware

You can keep an eye on the boats while you admire the glassware

I know someone who loves owls!

I know someone who loves owls!

Light bulbs?
Maybe not!
A telescope for looking out to sea?
The pieces are highly individual
And beautifully displayed

Part of the fascination is watching the glass workers ply their trade.

Behind glass, of course!

Behind glass, of course!

There's bound to be an element of danger

There’s bound to be an element of danger, isn’t there?

I love the quirkiness of these
The shapes of these
And the bright colours of these.

The building itself is quite interesting, and there’s a restaurant looking out onto the riverside.

Just a few more reflections

And in the vestibule, possibly my favourite thing- this suspended glass sculpture.

Let's raise a glass!

Let’s raise a glass!

The National Glass Centre website gives full details of opening times, events and free tours.

I really enjoyed putting this post together for Dawn’s weekly Lingering Look at Windows challenge.  Hope you like it too.

A Lingering look at Windows : week 8
Leo the lion looks out hopefully

Leo the lion looks out hopefully

Remember I was in York last week for Lisa and Leo’s wedding anniversary? This window would have fit quite nicely in the Valentine’s collection, wouldn’t it?  Missed the boat, again!  It wasn’t really the weather for window shopping, but everything looked so tempting.

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And when the rain finally drove me inside, I looked through the pretty stained glass windows of The York Tap at the vaulted station roof.

IMG_3485It’s been a bit drier here this week.  Did you linger outside any windows?  I know Dawn did.  Pop over and take a look.

A Lingering look at Windows: week 7
A hint of mystery

A hint of mystery and the exotic behind these doors

I’m sure you can’t begin to guess where I was lingering this week?  Does Preston Park Museum ring any bells?  I thought I might do the Winter Garden and the Victorian Street separately- you know, big finale!- but I didn’t want you tiring of the subject.  So we’ll just take a quick peep in the conservatory before moving swiftly on.

Orchids are beautiful, aren't they?

Orchids are beautiful, aren’t they?

There weren’t any comfy seat pads on the chairs and the doors were firmly closed, so I took the hint and kept walking.  And this was my reward!

And this was my reward!

A toy shop window to press my nose up against

So I did!

So I did!  Sorry- I know some of you don’t like Pierrots, but he was loveable.

Maybe chocolate is more your thing?

Maybe chocolate is more your thing?

Or objects d'art?

Or objects d’art?

No shortage of that!

No shortage of those!

I do know one or two of you who don't mind sweets!

I do know one or two of you who don’t mind a sweet treat!

Remember any of these?

Remember any of these?

A few of the shops don’t qualify for this post.  The blacksmith didn’t have a window, as such- just lots of tools.  I wandered into the printers and a very nice young lady was setting up the press to print some cards.  She was well bundled up against the cold, as she needed to be with the door wide open.  I couldn’t photograph her cheerful smile as it was a little dark in there.

But I did find an ironmonger, for the practical ones among you

But I did find an ironmonger, for the practical ones among you

And a photographer, for the family portaits

And a photographer, for the family portraits

This was my very favourite! Apologies for the poor quality of the photo

This was my very favourite shop!  Apologies for the terrible quality of the photo.

I know what some of you are waiting for.  I saw this sign but couldn’t find anywhere to buy an alcoholic drink, though I looked very hard.

Promises! Promises!

Promises! Promises!

So it had to be the tea rooms and the "temperance drinks"

So it had to be the tea rooms and the “temperance drinks”

But you know what I forgot to take a photo of?  The Victorian sponge sandwich on the counter. You’ll just have to take my word for it that it was very nice.  Just in case you’ve missed any of my Preston Park Museum posts, you can find them here, and here, and here.  Understatement- that’s what I’m going for!

Meanwhile I wonder what kind of windows everyone else is showcasing this week.  Find them at Dawn’s The Day After.  I believe she’s gone all romantic this week.

More fun with windows!
The morning looked promising through my front window

The morning looked promising through my front window

Which was good, because I planned to travel up to Durham on the bus, to meet a friend for coffee.  After a brisk 20 minute walk, I was on board.

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My friend lives in the “New Inn” and works in Durham City, which has a goodly selection of coffee shops.  Unfortunately we have to cram all our news into her lunch hour, but it does leave me time to wander with the camera.  And you know how I love to do that.

  • I managed to capture a few windows and their reflection in the river

    I managed to capture a few windows, and their reflection in the River Wear

    That way I can claim double the amount of windows!

    That way I can claim double the amount of windows!

    A little gentle window shopping never comes in wrong either

    Time for a little gentle window shopping too

    Especially quirky ones, like this!

    Especially when I can find quirky ones, like this!

    I had intended to take a few more bus window shots on the way home.  Well, I was just getting in the groove!  But the bus windows were so filthy I could barely see out.  Perhaps it’s just as well.

  • I can’t seem to get out of the habit of of taking a Lingering look at Windows.  How about you?  I know Dawn loves them.  Are you joining her this week?

Windows on the soul

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I have a strange entry for Dawn’s Lingering look at Windows this week.  Maybe a little mournful, and not playing strictly by the rules.  But I do think that these windows are rather beautiful, and hope that you will too.

Eternal roses

Roses for eternity

Sunflowers for Fernanda

Sunflowers for Fernanda

 Simplicity for Maria

Simplicity for Maria
Lilies and colour for Joao

Lilies and colour for Joao

More roses for Rosa

More roses for Rosa

Eternal health

Eternal health

The wife of Jacinto

The wife of Jacinto

And pretty pink for Teresa

And the prettiest of pinks for Teresa
All keeping each other company

All keeping each other company

In England we have nothing like this, and I am always drawn by this expression of love.  On a Sunday afternoon, in a sleepy Algarve village, family members come and go, bringing fresh flowers and relighting candles.  I watch quietly and respectfully, and then try to capture the serenity.  Even in such a tiny village, newer members have their problems.

Reaching the top boxes is for the fit and agile

Reaching the top boxes needs a head for heights

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?  For a very different view, visit Dawn- A Lingering look at windows-  week # 5

A Lingering look at windows- a little fun in week # 4
Our neighbourhood Dalmation, Louie

Our neighbourhood Dalmation, Louie

I’m feeling kind of mischievous this week.  While I was in the Algarve, I did a little spying on the neighbours.  I had to be careful though.  Some of them were looking right back at me!

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Have you spied on any windows this week?  Dawn at Lingering Visions would love to see them (and so would I).  So, why not share?

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 49
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Central Arcade in Newcastle-on-Tyne

When it comes to shopping, I’m a bit of an old-fashioned girl.  I like nice surroundings.  I can be totally seduced by a beautiful arcade, especially when it’s prettied up for Christmas.

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Like this!

And this!

And this!

In fact, I might as well admit it, I’m a hopeless shopper!  I much prefer to admire the buildings.  As I put this post together, I’m watching the TV series on Libertys of London.  Many years ago, when I was finding my feet in the city, I did some temp work in the store.  It’s really beautiful and I’ve had a soft spot for it ever since.

These days “the city”, for me, is Newcastle-on-Tyne.  The highlight at Christmas time is Fenwick’s Department Store and its window display.  Click on a photo to see it in more detail.

Fairy Dell
Skating on the pond
And who might this be?
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair.
Next comes Little Red Riding Hood
Grandma, what big ears you have!
The ice palace
And the Ice Queen, with a foundling?
Ice perfection!
And, of course, the gnomes in Santa’s workshop.

My kind of shopping!  The window kind.  Which ties in very well with Dawn’s Lingering Look at Windows challenge.  I bet there are some more Christmas windows to see this week.  Click on the link to find out.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 47
Who lives in a house like this?

I guess it’s about time to post my last sequence of windows from Barcelona. Life is moving forward at quite a pace.  At this rate I’ll soon be looking back at 2013! Anyone for a last wander in those Barcelona streets? Just click on a photo.

Looking up into Barcelona Cathedral
Such an elegant touch on the balcony
The exciting architecture of the Rambla
No such thing as ordinary!
Even in a shopping centre.
The prettiest of port buildings
You know I’m not greedy, but I’d settle for this one!

I can’t leave without one last salute to Gaudi.  He gave me so much pleasure with his beautiful houses, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.

The stairwell at Casa Batllo- a vision in blue

The stairwell at Casa Batllo- a vision in blue

The romance of stained glass

The romance of stained glass

And in Casa Mila, the romance of a curtained window

And in Casa Mila, curtains rustle romantically at the window

Elaborate patterns
Sunset beyond the lace
What could be more nostalgic?

I’m joining Dawn again this week in her Lingering look at Windows.  Why not come and play?  Soon it will be Christmas windows!  Just click on the link.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 39
A blurred view of the Tyne bridge!

A blurred view of the Tyne Bridge, through the bus window!

Not a promising start, as we drove across the Tyne Bridge into Newcastle-on-Tyne.  Only minutes before, the sky was bright blue.  I was meeting my lovely friend, Pam, for coffee so I didn’t really mind.   As usual, we had a good catch up, then strolled through the shopping centre.  Looking up, I observed that blue had been restored.

"Windows" in the ceiling reveal the blue beyond

Ceiling windows reveal the blue sky beyond

Pam was wonderfully tolerant of me happy-snapping random things. (I won’t tell you what she said about the glass in the ceiling!)  This phone store window display caught my eye.

iPhones? Yes, please!

iPhones? Yes, please!

Glad to know the Berlin temperature is no better than here!

Seems that the Berlin temperature is no better than here!

When it was time to go our separate ways, I planned to do a little shopping.  It was cold outside, but so clear and bright I couldn’t resist having a little more fun with the camera.  Newcastle is a beautiful city.

See what I mean?

See what I mean? Check out the gallery below.

Some of Grainger Street’s many windows
This is the Northern Goldsmith’s building
The sombre grey is lit by tiny fairy lights
Nothing sombre about Moss outfitters
Amazing what you see when you look up!
In sometimes rather incongruous surrounds!
Thought you'd like to see the splendid Angel of the North on the side of the bus

I really like the splendid Angel of the North on the side of the bus!

But my favourite view is still the reflected one.

But my favourite view is still the reflected one.

Thank you for accompanying me on my lingering look at windows this week.  Hope all’s well with you?  Please visit Dawn at Lingering Visions to see the other entries and maybe show us a few windows of your own.  It can be fun!