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.