Industrial Heritage

something else in the post:

In a previous edition of Industrial Heritage Richard Cheffins article on the LESC building in Greenwich High Road was reproduced. Now a correspondent to the journal has written:
"The Power Station at Deptford was equipped with reciprocating steam engines made in Bolton by Hick Hargreaves. They were builders of large steam engines, but not as large as that planned by Ferranti and they had to order new machine tools big enough to make the 4 x 10,000HP engines. These engines had spherical hearings features in Hicks engines form the first of their locomotives circa 183q. the engines drove the 10,000 volt alternators with ropes as in a textile mill. The 10,0000 v was taken into London by the side of railway tracks because no council would have such a dangerous voltage over their land. the conductors were concentric copper pipes with paper insulation, the inner being live. Ferranti demonstrated the safety by hammering a chisel through the conductor under power.
100 years ago in 1908 there was a fire under railway arches and a conductor was put out of action. As a temporary expedient supply customers Ferranti used surveying conductors as live with an earth return. he lost about 1,000 volts but it affected telephones, telegraphs and tram cars. the effect was felt as far away as Italy. The disturbance was put down as a severe electrical storm. The beans were spilt just before his death when Ferranti spoke on his easily days.

Lewisham Newsletter

In the post the Lewisham Local History Society Newsletter.
Their main talk in February was about Herbert Morrison MP - he was MP for South Lewisham, which justified their talk - but can I point out he lived in Eltham!!
The newletter also contains a fascinating article about old Lewisham cinemas - and adverts for the following events _
16th May - Friends of Nunhead Cemetery Open Day = see George Livesey's grave
24th April - Lewisham Local History Society - Dr.Roger Bowler on Designation in London
26th June - Lewisham Local History Society Zeppelins and Gothas over London. 1915-1918
(both at the Methodist Church Hall, Albion Way, 7.45).
25th April. Council for Kentish Archaeology Discoveries and Research. Sevenoaks Community Centre. £4
15th May The Boyd Family Dynasty at Danson House.

DHG

This mornings post - lots of stuff for a change - Docklands History Group. There is a report of a talk by Edward Sargeant on Gravesend skiffs. this might not seem to be much about Greenwich but he says "the Gravesend skiff seems to have been derived from the tupe of skiff in use around Greenwich". What is more he talks anout William Warner, who was born in Greenwich in 1832 where he was apprenticed to Shipbuilder Corbettt (who?? tell me more??). He then moved to West Street in Gravesend and starting building skiffs - so - you see - it all comes from round here, not down there. His skiffs all had to be used round Greenwich because the water was too rough down in Gravesend. He had to add a plank to improve the freeboard. Edward wants to start a Kent traditional boat association - and I think we can claim, very happily, that Greenwich is really part of Kent (and it is!!).
Edward is coming to talk to GIHS in the autumn about the Grand Surrey Canal.

New Jewelry Just Listed

Just listed some new stuffs on Etsy & Artfire:

Garden Make-Over Project

Earlier this week, my husband got a wild hair & decided to dive into the big garden makeover project I've mentioned a few times in conversation. Holy cows; I guess I better start planning my planting! We have spent the last week in a flurry of sod removal, shoveling loads of composted horse poo, clean-up, roto-tilling, & more clean-up. Last week, Kevin's 14 year old daughter moved in, so this project has been something we could all work on together....more on that later.

OK: so this first pic is the offending strip of lawn along the side of the house; pain in the butt to mow, nobody ever uses it, etc. Even though it's between the 2 houses, it gets full sun most of the day: perfect spot for veggies & flowers.....

And away we go; Kevin cutting the first strip of sod; we decided to go ahead & take out the sod 1/2 the back yard too; going to put a path of wide reclaimed concrete stepping stones from the side walk to the shed: leaving only about 3 feet on each side of the path: who needs to mow that?! Alysa--running to mark sprinkler heads: we only destroyed one in this whole project....

1/2 way done with sod removal--Kevin is wondering what the heck he got himself into....

A nice 4 inch layer of compost, tilled into the top 3 inches of dirt; ready for planting!!! Still have to lay down the path....

And the side yard, all ready to go!!

Now, it's time to start planning out the plantings; I ordered enough seeds this year for a small farm, so I'm covered in that area.... I'm planning on a mix of veggies & ornamentals: some grasses to match the plantings in the front yard. I would like it to look attractive in all seasons, so I'm going to use the next week or so to research & plan it out. Will have to mix in a few sculptures & steel vine growers, of course. My back is sore & my muscles are tired from all the shoveling, but I'm excited about the possibilities. I love spending time in the garden & watching things grow: & happy to be watering plants that are beautiful & productive :) And no mowing!! Yay! Stay tuned for more updates...

In other news; we have decided to build the Meridian City Hall piece at Boise Iron Works-a division of Architectural Metals. Last week, we met with the shop Foreman, Lex, & set the 7th & 8th of April for fabrication & final test fit. I'm glad we will be doing the work there: each piece would have taken up my entire work space! It will be great to get in, have a few extra hands to help, & get it done in a couple days. On Friday, I was interviewed for an article in Meridian Mag.--set to come out the 1st of May. Perfect timing to get some interest in the project & hopefully have more people show up for the dedication on the 19th.

Alysa starts school on Monday; I'm looking forward to a more set routine. I will have all day while she is at school to work on the new pieces I have started: been missing my creative time this week :) But, it's all good; we did a quick welding lesson on Tuesday & made a sculpture together--I think it will find a new home in the new garden. Having a helper around to hold things & help tack weld will be good--got some projects coming along that will be mass production she will be able to help with & get paid, so hopefully it will be kinda fun for her.

That's it for now; more garden progress pics to come, along with new sculptures this week!!

Amber

New Copper Wedding Bouquet

Just finished a custom order for a copper wedding bouquet...made from upcycled copper, Austrian crystals, & freshwater pearls. Pretty cool--this is my fav. bouquet so far....love the warm colors. For an October wedding---perfect! I also got to make a mini bouquet for the daughter.

AGM

A quick note to say that the Society's AGM was held last night, followed by the usual dynamic talk from John King (this one about something which didn't exist).

In her Chair's report Sue Bullevant drew particular attention to the number of members we have lost this year - in particular our first Chair, Jack Vaughan, who died last summer - but also the deaths of Dot Lawrence, Clive Chambers and Reg Barter. Mary Mills also thanked David Riddle who makes such a big input into this site and the web site.

Sue was re-elected as Chair, Andrew Bullevant as Vice-Chair, Mary Mills as Secretary, Steve Daly as Treasurer, and Ray Fordham as a committee member.

New Sculpture in progress

I started out yesterday thinking I was going to do a pretty small, simple sculpture: but, as usual, it's grown..... When done, it will stand about 8 feet tall.....

Some more pieces to be incorporated....the bigger lens is 5 inches in diameter.... I'm also thinking of adding some copper, maybe a cable or two, & perhaps some stainless steel....

I'm making everything bolt together; so it can be easily moved around & set up; doing it this way takes a lot of figuring & drilling, but sure makes it easier to transport. And since this one will be going into the new city hall, carrying in smaller parts will be much safer & easier....

I've got about a month to prepare some new pieces to be on display at the Meridian City Hall gallery for the month of May: it will be nice to have some other work for everyone to see at the dedication of the entrance sculpture... Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with quite a few new pieces: I've got tons of ideas floating around, but time always seems to be short: I can see some long days ahead....

Till later...

Amber

1st Thursday; April 2nd: hope to see you all there!!! I'll be displaying a sculpture or 2 & talking about art & recycling :)

Land Surveyor's Conference

On Thursday, Kevin & I went to the Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyor's annual Conference, in Boise: they invited me to come talk about the Meridian City Hall project, because of it's historical relation to surveying. And, they just placed a new marker at Initial Point & did a re-dedication of the monument: read all about it in the Statesman here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/235/story/692870.html


So, to start off the Re-Dedication, I got up in front of a room full of professional surveyors (like 200 people!)(and the mayor) & tried my best to share the "Origin" project, the ideas behind the design & it's relationship to Initial Point & the history of surveying in the state of Idaho. Speaking in front of a crowd of professionals is not my usual thing, & I was really nervous, but it went well--everyone seemed genuinely interested in the project & excited to see that the history of their profession was being highlighted in an art project. I got to show pictures of the design on a huge screen & invite everyone to come see it when its done :)

This is the actual Initial Point Monument--I have a replica that will be included in the alcove piece... And the map of Idaho, with baseline & the principle meridian (which the city of Meridian was named after)--something like this will also be included in the alcove piece-to explain the inspiration behind the art work...
The conference was fun (after the speech part was done)--it was very inspiring to learn even more about the history of the surveying profession. We also got to see lots of modern-day gadgets & even some amazing computer programs that use modern technology to generate detailed maps & coordinates.


In other news on the project: most of the pieces are cut & waiting to be assembled; my brass is on back-order, so it will be next week before we can get it cut. Kevin is working away on engineering the hoist assembly to lift the sculpture into place, & then be able to lower & raise it in the future for cleaning. We are meeting again at City Hall next week to look in the ceiling & figure out cable runs, beam attachments, etc. I'll post more on that process next week....


That's it for now...the sun is coming out & it's time to get to work for the day!!


Amber

"Origin" Update-the beginning...

Pieces are being cut this week!! I just got back from Architectural MetalWorks where I got to see the water-jet in action :) Everything should be cut this week & then we get to put the puzzle together... The water-jet cuts through the copper like it's nothing: it will even cut through plate steel, stone, glass, tile: pretty much anything...an amazing tool. It uses a high pressure jet of water with an abrasive sand; crushed garnet, to cut with speed & precision.

Right now, it really does look like a giant puzzle; there are so many parts stacked up!

I'm so excited!! The brass will be in on Wed, & we should have all the pieces back & ready to start fitting by the end of the week. Can't wait to get started :)

More later....

Amber

A good day...

Nice day today: sunny this morning, got a few things accomplished & started on a new sculpture. Hoping for another good day tomorrow.

The deck prisms; trying to decide which color to use in the plumb bob--I'm liking the greenish-blue one: matches the color of the lenses, although brighter.... I couldn't resist getting some extras for other projects :)



Started this one today; I'm liking it so far--it still has a ways to go; I'd like to add some copper & maybe a little lens or something funky...also have some cool brass gears that might work: hmmmm: for now, I put it right in front of the window so I can look & ponder the possibilities.


Skwishy Cat; enjoying the sunny weather...

More later.....

Amber

linseed oil and tankers

I have a request for information as follows

I would like information about a little tanker which carried molasses from Cantley, Norfolk and linseed oil from Holland (and fuel oil) to and from various wharves in London and I wish to trace information about them to incorporate into a record of her trading routes. In your area I am interested in Greenwich Inlaid Lino Co. Victoria Works, and Greig's Wharf area; The Mollassine Co. Ltd, Tunnel Glucose Refiners - Tunnel Wharf, Thames Soap & Candle Works (Unilever).
I am also particularly interested to find out about Younghusbands Wharf, Rotherhithe Street Lower Pool which I see on my port chart is named as King & Queen Wharf, more or less opposite Shadwell New Basin entrance lock and just downstream of Bellamy's Wharf. Also the run of wharves downstream of the Mar Dyke in West Thurrock marshes to Stone Ness which includes Anglo American oil Co, Caspian Wharf, Jurgens Ltd wharf and Tunnel Cement works wharf, all just upstream of Everards base at Greenhithe.
I would be most grateful if you could point me in the right direction for information.

A whole lot of bits and pieces

Some short notes:-

1. Docklands History Group - forthcoming programme. Events held at the Museum in Docklands
5th March - Fire Fighting on the Thames. David Rogers
2nd April - Introduction to the Port of London Authority Centenary Exhibition
7th May - visit to the Wapping Police Museum.

2. We have a request for information on the fatal gunpowder explosion at Erith in 1964

3. Francis Tin Box Factory. We have a request for information if records exist for this company which was in Blackheath Hill. This is about boxes supplied to troops in the First World War.

4. We have been approached by a marine archaeologist working on the Charlton riverside. He is looking for information about Castle's breakers and about Cory.

5.

Plumb-Bob Detail-"Origin"

More updates to the Meridian City Hall Project: I found the perfect finishing touch for the giant plumb-bob---a glass deck prism!! This will become the tip: the lowest point on the sculpture; pointing to the center of the floor :) We were discussing the design for the plumb-bob & making the tip out of another material & it just popped into my head---I have a large deck prism that I bought years ago: and I always thought it would be a cool thing to add into a sculpture.... So, I did a search online, & found the perfect sized prism at DeckPrisms.com :) I like the contrast of the glass against the metal, & the prism is the perfect shape---I cant wait to get them (I couldn't resist getting a couple) in the mail!! Looks like we will be submitting our 2nd round of files to be cut on the water-jet by Tuesday--Architectural Metalworks is doing the cutting & rolling for us: more on that later--hopefully I can get some pics of the water-jet in action! Will post more later; for now: I'm off to finish my work-space cleaning/organizing mission....

Amber