Today has been an exciting day for me. It is
the 150th anniversary of the death of Sir Joseph Paxton and I have
been to St Peter’s Church at Edensor on the Chatsworth Estate for a
Commemoration Service. I talked at length with John Greatrex, Fellow of the
RSA, who organized the event. I spoke with Canon Dave Perkins who conducted the service. I was introduced to the Duke of Devonshire. A film crew interviewed me. I bet you’re wondering why. I shall explain all.
Sir Joseph Paxton was a gardener, an
architect and a Member of Parliament, but he is best known for designing the
Crystal Palace, which was erected in Hyde Park in 1851 for the Great
Exhibition...
Here comes the really exciting bit...
I have been commissioned to
write The Children’s Book of The Crystal Palace. It’s going to be in the same
format as The Children’s Book of Richard III and I can’t wait to get started on
the research.
You’re going to be hearing a lot about
Paxton and the Crystal Palace over this next year. It’s a fascinating subject
and I will definitely be sharing with you glimpses of the book as it emerges,
but for now I’ll share with you some photos of my day.
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| Inside St Peter's Church just before the service began. The children from Pilsley School took part of the service and you could feel their enthusiasm. |
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| Joseph Paxton's grave. The children had made flower baskets that they placed in front of the grave. |
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| The cameraman from Sort of Films who interviewed me. He seemed to need a rest after the interview. Was I really that difficult a subject! |
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| And last but not least, John Greatrex wearing his Joseph Paxton hat and declaring the start of his campaign to rebuild the Crystal Palace. The site has yet to be named so watch this space. |
That is fantastic news!!!! congrats to you and I look forward to reading about this adventure and learning about The Crystal Palace.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne, you'll be learning plenty!
DeleteSuch wonderful news Ros..I'm so pleased for you....and can't wait to read the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bridget, I'll be running it all by you and the rest of the crit group over the next year.
DeleteCongratulations on being commissioned to write the "Children's Book of the Crystal Palace!" This is such a wonderful honor that you truly deserve, Rosalind! How exciting that you were also interviewed today! I'm sure you did a fabulous job. I'm looking forward to learning more about The Crystal Palace.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks, Julie, it was an experience being interviewed like that. I had to look at the person holding the microphone and not the person asking the questions. That is so hard!
DeleteHow fab is this!! Oh Ros - how you deserve this! You'll enjoy every minute of the research (well, almost every minute) - and a commissioned book - you must be so delighted you feel like you're bursting!
ReplyDeleteI will enjoy almost every minute of the research. That comment is spot on, Jo!
DeleteRios, this is so thrilling! I bags a copy for Little G!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol, there'll be one signed to her personally as soon as I have them in my hand - which is going to be a long way and a lot of hard work into the future!!
DeleteCongratulations! I'll say it again - is there no end to your talents? Our gardening club is named Paxton Horticultural soc. (as our any more).
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting. I'll have to look into that as well as everything else that's waiting to be researched. Thanks for the info.
DeleteEnd of comment should read: as are many more!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. I knew that!!
DeleteCongratulations! What an intriguing subject and excellent book idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen.
DeleteI look forward to reading a book about the Crystal Palace. I had an interest in it back in the days when I worked at British Waterways in Birmingham. The glass for the Crystal Palace was made by Chance's Glass in Smethwick (still visible from the M5!) and transported to London by canal. I used to love telling people when I did lectures: "And not a single pane was broken in the process!" Of course, canal transport was much gentler than hauling things over old, rutted roads by cart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating piece of information. This project is becoming more interesting by the day!
DeleteHi Ros .. that's amazing and I'm so pleased they found you and have chosen you to write the book - that's brilliant ... just reward most definitely for all your recent endeavours. Congratulations all round ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hilary, it's going to be fascinating.
DeleteRos, this fantastic! I'm a bit late here, but this all sounds so exciting! I'm really looking forward to hearing more about it. Sounds as if this was a lovely occasion too!
ReplyDeleteIt was a most enjoyable day, right down to the delicious lunch and afternoon tea and cake we had at the little village teashop there.
DeleteExciting times ahead!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteHow very very exciting! I'm so happy for you. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Ros! A commission! How thrilling. I hope you haven't got to put another idea of your own on hold till it's done?
ReplyDelete