#rosetti

Venetian beads, no 1 - 1018

Tropenmuseum Amsterdam, Netherlands

On our last visit to this gem of a location, it was pouring it down and cold. Today there was a hint of Spring and a very soft February sunlight filtered through high cloud. Here is the house viewed from the park with its signature tower.

Long slanting shadows graced the parkland and a veritable carpet of purple crocus. We wandered the various pathways. There are two ornate fountains and benches to sit and admire the view, though it was still a little cold today.

Adjacent to the house are conservatories with a collection of striking exotic plants and an intriguing elephant sculpture.

The Park falls away gently from the house and from here you get fine views over toward the moor beyond. This hill country separates Airedale from Wharfedale. If you're familiar with the song, you might know it as Ilkley Moor.

Let's take another look inside though. It was only a little while before the house closed but there was still enough time for a brief visit. You enter through the gateway of the Castle's main tower with the family crest above. There is some beautiful carved wood on the entrance doors.

The hallway contains a beautifully executed bronze of Henry Isaac Butterfield who developed the house much as it is now.

Today we wanted to see the stained glass collection here. You get to it by climbing the main, carpeted staircase which rises to the tower's first storey. The surrounding pillars, as they are throughout the house, are intricately decorated.

The head of the staircase is lit by a magnificent stained glass window.

The stained glass is the work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, prepared by Morris and company. Here you can see panels designed by Kempe, Burne-Jones, Madox Brown, Rosetti and Morris himself. The exhibits include a wonderful sequence showing Tristram and Isoude, inspired by Malory's retelling of the story. The panels came from Harden Grange in Bingley.

When local churches closed, some of their religious stained glass by the same artists were moved here.

This creation story panel came from nearby West Riddlesden Hall. All the glass is exquisite and beautifully lit from behind. Such a joy to see.

I hope you enjoyed this account of my 2nd visit. Cliffe Castle is free to visit (donations accepted) and car parking is free for three hours. All shots were made on an old Canon 350D gifted me by my husband with a 2nd hand Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 lens. Edits were made from the original monochrome images using Canon Digital Photo Professional 4.

Cora

A girl's name of Greek origin. It has several meanings, including "core," "heart," and "maiden." Cora has ties to Greek mythology and is an alternative name for Persephone, the daughter of Zeus.

I made a new hollow knight fanart