Tuesday 9 February 2010

Its amazing what you see.....

....when you are out taking photos specifically for your blog. It was a very dull weekend, really not good for photography, and I had to go shopping too - which is not really my idea of fun. However, I took the camera - just in case. We get off the tram in Sheffield, just outside the Cathedral - across the road from the Cutlers Hall. The huge steel doors of the hall are magnificent, and I have admired these from afar as I have walked passed before.

But I had never noticed the fabulous Elephant Head handles before.
Apparently, Elephants were used as a symbol for cutlers as it was an important animal to them as they often used the ivory for handles. Sadly, although Sheffield is still know throughout the world as the place that makes cutlery, I don't think that there are many cutlers left - just the odd one or two small companies keeping the tradition alive.
I don't know about you, but I'm itching to get out into my garden again. The other day, when I was having a tidy up and a mini pruning session, I brought in some Forsythia twigs. I have had them in a sunny spot, and I keep topping them up with warm water. They have just started to bring some of their sunshiney loveliness into my home - whilst the tree that they are from - just outside the window - is still very bare.




21 comments:

Ticking stripes said...

Love those handles - I often take pictures of doorways, fanlights, knockers etc. Never seen elephant ones before though and didn't know they were a symbol for cutlers.
Love Wend

Lyn said...

I love forsythia, spring is on it's way!
Love
Lyn
xxx

Rowan said...

The forsythia twigs are pretty, a real touch of Spring. I've never noticed those handles on the Cutlers Hall, must go and have a look next time \I'm in town, they are rather splendid aren't they?

Rebecca said...

I like the elephants, thanks for your comments on my blog re debt and the ideas, I particularly like the idea of getting T into photography, may give that a try. thanks x

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Hello Girl! How are you? Aren't those elephants lovely? Brilliant spot, and as for the forsythia, heavenly, whish I had one, hmmm must plant one!

Sarah x

menopausalmusing said...

Fantastic doors........ Forsythia, like snowdrops, always herald Spring just around the corner. YAY!

Shabby Chick said...

The flowers are so pretty, I think when you have a splash of colour like that it's so cheering! The doors are great, architecture can be so varied and interesting.

Mel xxx

The Curious Cat said...

Sitting here in the office...I'm thinking I'd love to get outside for a walk...just not too sure about the weather right now! Thanks for your message earlier...I know that things will pass but right now I don't know how/don't want to let go so it is hard. I know it will come eventually but I resent having to go through it all. Everyone has been very supportive though so that really, really helps! Thank you xxx

Julia said...

Ooh its lovely to find these gentle reminders from bloggers that spring is but a few weeks away, seeing the tiny yellow blooms on your forsythia is a tiny sign of things yet to come!!

Julia x x x

Michela said...

I'm with you, thanks to blogging I'm seeing things I've never noticed so far..but they've always been there! xxxxx

harmony and rosie said...

Love those elephant handles. I've just looked into our garden and our forsythia isn't flowering, is yours particularly early?

Petit Filoux said...

Those twigs are very pretty - I envy anyone who's got a garden!!

Lisa said...

I'm looking forward to Spring springing!
Hope to get your scarf in the post tomorrow.
Lisa x

JP said...

I always do that with my forythia an dthe children always mock about why would Mum put bare twigs in a vase!!

Rosie said...

The elephant head handles are wonderful - as I gazed at them I somehow expected them to move or wink - have I watched too many Harry Potter films? When you mentioned cutlers and factories I was thinking of the David Mellor factory at Hathersage have you ever been? We had a guided tour a few years ago on a Heritage weekend in September - I expoect it is a very different way of working than in the big Sheffield factories of the past:)

Gilly said...

I love those elephant handles! Never knew elephants were a sort of symbol for cutlers. But I suppose it was dead elephants - thank goodness ivory is a prohibited export nowadays.

We had to cut our forsythia down last year, as it was taking over, so I doubt we will get any flowers this year. Think I'll leave any shoots alone to do their own thing this spring!

harmony and rosie said...

Hi again Diane

Thanks for updating me on the Forsythia, I was thinking ours was dead. In fact, I think I'm the one who's a bit lacking as I've just re-read your post which (quite clearly) says how you managed to get the F to flower. Oops, full marks for me (NOT). x

The Girl said...

Those handles are gorgeous - so clever.

I would love to get back out in the garden. No. wait. I'd love to HAVE a garden :)

Lesley (Notesfrommydays) said...

Hi Diane thank you for the comment you left re Castleton :-) how old was your daughter when she went? mine is 8 (in year 3) - she will be fine its just me!!!
Lesley x

BadPenny said...

Oh I love to spot the first Forsythia and the first Hawthorn blossom - I never thought to cut a few twigs off but will tomorrow !

Those Elephants are magnificent !

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Love the elephant handles and the very spring like Forsythia. It's been chilly here, but very bright and sunny. Hubby has spent three days in the garden and we are all tidy again for the time being

We must arrange our Blog "blind date" soon. This is my email:

charleyarry23@aol.com

Let me know the dates you are visiting. It would be so nice to meet up for coffee or afternoon tea with a sea view