Art Adventures in Norfolk

Sculptures at the Pink Foot Gallery in Cley

The Pink Foot Gallery at dusk

Joe in Cley high street outside another gallery.

Me outside St Jude's Gallery in Itteringham

Just before Christmas Joe and I went to Norfolk to St Jude's Gallery in Itteringham http://www.stjudesgallery.co.uk. Ittering-where? we wondered as we drove through winding country roads and ever more obscure little villages until we finally came to a sign that pointed towards the gallery. Blink and we'd have missed it.

We went to St Jude's because it's Angie Lewin's gallery and we both love her art. We'd seen it in the CCA Gallery in Cambridge and joined the mailing list, so we knew she had a gallery in Norfolk. When the invitation came through to go to the Christmas opening, the offer of seeing her art first hand while sampling homemade mince pies and mulled wine was too good to resist.

The art was beautiful, the gallery tiny and you couldn't swing a proverbial cat as so many people turned up. It was hard to get a good look at anything. Add to that lots of toddlers who were left to their own devices (which usually involved getting under everyon'es feet) and you had a recipe for chaos. I've nothing againt children at all, but you'd think the parents would have had the sense to realise that cramming them into a tiny space with lots of noisy adults and precious art wasn't a great idea.

However, we did like the art and we did like the gallery. Only next time we'll make sure we go when it's quieter. We didn't buy any paintings, but we did come away with some beautiful sketch books and cards and some ideas about what we might like to buy in the future, when we've saved enough money. We also met Angie, if fleetingly (I managed to say 'hello') and her husband Simon who said he recognised me from Facebook (I'm a 'fan'). Oh the power of social media! After the crush of the gallery we both wanted some space and fresh air so we drove out to Cley next the Sea (I love that name) and went for a walk through the village. We found a lovely hotel where we had lunch, getting there in the nick of time as the last sitting was about to come to an end. We took our seats next to the log fire and the Christmas tree and had the best bacon sandwiches ever.

We then went to a gallery called Pink Foot http://www.pinkfootgallery.com which was a real find. It not only had beautiful paintings but some amazing sculpture. Joe and I fell in love with some startlingly original bronzes which were way out of our price range but mesmerising in their simple beauty. Joe bought a small sculpture of a heron by Anthony Theakston and we both had that warm glow of satisfaction that comes from knowing you have acquired something truly beautiful and unique.

Before we drove home, we went to the local delicatessen, a cornucopia of homemade delights where we bought cashew nuts in soy sauce and thick slabs of chocolate tart that stuck to the roof of your mouth.

Norfolk is a very atmospheric place with a wildness and bleakness that appeal to the artistic soul. It was especially dramatic in the winter light. Who knows what it will like in the spring? Joe and I plan to find out when we go back to St Jude's in March.

Shopping, dinner and a concert in Cambridge

Lola at Pizza Express in Jesus Lane

Me at Pizza Express in Jesus Lane

Forbidden Planet shop window

Me in King's Parade

Lola outside Senate House

Last Sunday Lola and I went to Cambridge to see Bat for Lashes at The Corn Exchange. The concert was truly amazing and we tried to take some photos but, sadly, they didn't come out as we were too far away from the stage and weren't allowed to use the flash (although, of course, some people did).

Before the concert we spent an afternoon in Cambridge, shopping, sightseeing and eating. We started at Nomads, a wonderfully eclectic shop on King's Parade. It is like an Aladdin's cave (or should that be a tardis? as it's tiny upstairs and cavernous downstairs. It sells rugs, carpets, cushions etc and a huge variety of ethnic jewellery, including lots of beautiful stones which Lola loves. I had to drag her away or she'd have spent hours there. I can see why.

We treated ourselves to a late lunch at Pizza Express, where, thanks to 'My Voucher Codes' we were able to enjoy garlic bread, pizzas and drinks (water for Lola, Peroni for me) for £10 each. It was a real carb blowout, but it kept us going all night. We went to the Pizza Express in Jesus Lane which is my absolute favourite with its distressed mirrored walls and Art Deco glamour. Even on a Sunday afternoon, it was heaving as families and friends relaxed together, often in large groups. Maybe they had vouchers, too.

We walked over to The Grafton Centre and made the obligatory visit to Forbidden Planet in search of Victoria Francis posters, but they didn't have any. Lola managed to console herself by looking at shoes and handbags in Debenhams - it certainly works for me!

We got to The Corn Exhange in plenty of time to find a rapidly growing queue. However, we didn't have to wait in it for long until we were let in. Lola had a nice surprise as she met up with an old school friend, Lucy, and they had a long chat before the concert began.

Bat for Lashes were simply brilliant and Natasha Khan's voice was crystal clear and soaringly beautiful. Her performance was full of energy and we were amazed at how many instruments she played. Lola and I were both spellbound and sorry when the concert ended, even after an encore. We're so glad we went. We wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Happy 15th Birthday Lola!

Phoebe and Nic

Lola with her birthday card that Joe made

Lola with her birthday presents, including a $100 dollar bill

Lola with her birthday presents from 'Auntie Nicci'

Me and Nic at Wagamamas

A Day Out in Cambridge
Today was Lola's 15th birthday, but we've been celebrating all weekend.

Yesterday we spent the day in Cambridge with Lola's Godmother Nic and her beautiful daughter Phoebe, who's a model.

Lola hadn't seen Nic or Phoebe in ages so it was brilliant to catch up.

It was nice to see Lola and Phoebe get on so well, simply picking up where they left off. Phoebe also gets on really well with Calum as there's only a couple of years between them.

I think Calum, Lola and Phoebe will always be friends - I certainly hope so.

Even though she's a model Phoebe hasn't let it go to her head and is still the same down-to-earth and unaffected girl she's always been.

'Auntie Nicci', as Lola calls her, really spoilt Lola by buying her lots of gorgeous presents, including some wonderful make-up. I might just have to borrow the coloured mascara and glittery eyeliners ...

We spent the day eating, shopping and doing lots (and lots) of talking.

The sun shone all day, too, so all the shoppers seemed in a good mood which made a nice change.

All in all it was a perfect day.

A Day at Home
Today we've spent the day at home, at Lola's request.

It's been a real treat just being able to chill.

We had pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast which was delicious and set us up for the day.

Later I cooked a lovely Greek meal which we ate in the garden as the weather was so warm.

Lola got lots of cards and presents - too many to mention - but her favourite card by far was the one Joe made for her.

It has a Nightmare Before Christmas theme - Lola's all time favourite film.

She was also really pleased with the Emily McGuire CD that I bought when I saw Emily in concert with The Blue Nile in Glasgow.

Emily was lovely and signed a CD for Lola saying 'Happy Birthday' which Lola thought was very 'cool'.

All in all it was another perfect day and, for Lola, a perfect birthday weekend.