Saturday 16 January 2010

National Capital Shadows

During our stay in Sydney immediately after Christmas, we took an overnight trip to Canberra to visit the National Art Gallery's exhibition, Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and beyond.  Having arrived full of anticipation at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris some months back, we discovered to our dismay that a major part of their collection was on its way to Australia!!!  The museum was about to undergo major renovations and Australia somehow managed to be first cab off the rank to snaffle these masterpieces.  It was well worth the wait and if you get the chance, go.  I believe it will soon travel to the US - not 100% sure though.

Another visit at the top of our list was to the Australian War Memorial.  It would take at least two days to do this museum justice, but we were limited to a few hours.  It was here that I found my Shadow Shot Sunday images.   






















This floating bronze sculpture outside the museum represents sailors being rescued from the sea and is an extremely powerful piece of art.


These paper poppies left at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier throw shadows which give them an extra dimension and add to the poignancy of the image.


We stayed overnight at the wonderful vintage Kurrajong Hotel built in the 1920s which in its past housed as permanent residents many members of Parliament.  It has been faithully restored and is quite charming.



I particularly loved the Art Deco touches.


One of our Prime Ministers, Ben Chifley (1945-1949) used the hotel as his residence in Canberra and died there in 1951 (I firmly trust it wasn't in our room!).  This restaurant is the hotel's tribute to him.

We lived in Canberra for a year in 1990, and we have not visited the place for many years.  It was good to return and see that it still is a very pretty city.

Please visit Hey Harriet's blog for your fill of Shadow Shot Sunday.  You are bound to become an addict.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo series today! The sculpture is beautiful and the reflections in the second shot are gorgeous. Nifty post ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Nice! I want my living room to look like that with those blue chairs! But, next best thing is having people like you bring your world to me. Ah, the beauty of it all!

Sylvia K said...

Oh, I love this series of photos! The sculpture is very moving and does tug at the heart strings and I love the poppies! Marvelous shadow shots are an extra plus! What a wonderful place to visit and thanks for sharing it with us! Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!

Sylvia

Martha Z said...

Wonderful series! There never seems to be enough time to do a museum justice much less a city.

Sam said...

Great post!! That makes me laugh about the Musee being closed and all the work on it's way to Aus!!

...and the war memorial - one of my favourite museums in the world - and I've seen a few! I love the dioramas - I've not seen that new sculpture though - it puts me in mind of popping down!! The poppies too are very lovely.

Chubby Chieque said...

Thanks for giving me an eyeview of Canberra, OZ capital city.

Hope not your room, I guess, coz as I see you enjoyed your stay and slept tight. He he...

Have a happy SS

Tania said...

Nice series of photo!:-) Looks like you have a wonderful trip!
Have a great evening!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Beautiful collection of photos and information! Especially love the power of that bronze sculpture!

Eden said...

Beautiful images and my favourite is the sculpture. I haven't visited the place for a while now. Maybe one day I can grab a chance..

Happy Sunday.

A Wild Thing said...

Thanks for the lil' mini tour and what an aw-inspiring sculpture, surely an honor to so many brave heroes. What a fun trip that must've been and to reminisce too...fun!

Ralph said...

The capital city is so often a place where history is available for all to sea - and learn.

The scenes regarding the military are moving - the sailors working to rescue their shipmates is indeed moving, as these guys will save their mates at any cost. The poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown is so beautiful. Those who fought to protect their homeland fought in the noblest of causes, and must be remembered, never forgotten...

Your views of Canberra are stunning. The hotel has the most elegant detailing, The understated style of the past is absolutely stunning!

Hey Harriet said...

Gosh you get aorund Robyn! I have trouble keeping up with your travels! I love this set of shots. I've never been to Canberra, and would like to visit the Australian War Memorial. I've been told it's a very emotional experience by friends who cried during their visit. Hope you are keeping cool during this steamy weekend. Hey, for all I know you could be in Germany this week ;)

Gena D said...

Gosh what an amazing sculpture!! lovely shadows and also love the poppies!
GEna @ Thinking Aloud

Amalou said...

Great photo collection. I was wondering what those bronze people were up to. After reading your caption it all makes sense.

No ghostly ex PMs lurking in your hotel room? There's nothing worse then a ghost in your ensuite when you're busting to pee. Such and invasion of privacy.

Chrisy said...

Oooh yes I've stayed at the Kurrajong...just heaven...and the War Memorial...darlin your photos are just beautiful...

Serendipity said...

Lots of good shadows here. I really like that second shot.

B : ) said...

Great shadows - they took me on a tour : )

Why don't you come on over to my blog and visit a while

toby said...

Those are all great shots! One day, if I have time, I'd like to add some art-deco touches to my house like those :)

Crafty Green Poet said...

lovely series of photos. The sculpture is particularly impressive, a lovely piece of art and such wonderful shadows

BLOGitse said...

wow, that sculpture is amazing!
thanks for sharing your travel pictures,
have a great week!

http://BLOGitsePHOTOS.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Very moving shadows - especially the poppies!

robin. said...

both of your shadow shots are breath taking. thanks for sharing...

Dianne said...

the trip sounds fantastic

I love the sculpture

Unknown said...

Fun shadows. Once you start looking it's amazing how many you can find! I especially like the poppis.

jabblog said...

Ooh, what a beautiful sequence of shadow shots. The sculpture is very striking and the poppies most poignant.

Beverley Baird said...

What a great series of photos!
Great shadows too!