The weather has been horrible this week, with a cold wind blowing most of the time, an overcast sky, and on Saturday to end the week, a day of fine drizzle and a temperature of only 13c. I'm not one to feel particularly down about the weather, but this week did demand a certain amount of "get up and go" on my part. I was tempted at times to stay in the warmth of my flat, read a good book, and watch the two excellent news channels, that have subtitles constantly repeating themselves underneath the pictures, and which are excellent for gathering new vocabulary. An unknown word will keep appearing, so eventually I have to look it up on my trusty translator, find the meaning, and then have it reinforced into my long term memory by its constant repetition. All very helpful, thank you N24 and NDR Tagesschau.
Saturday's morning drizzle made no attempt to stop, so I caught the bus into town (the tram tracks are being renovated for the next five weeks, so no trams) and visited the "Städtisches Museum" to see an exhibition about Duke Carl 1 of Braunschweig (1713-1780) and his improvements to the city, after he moved his court from Wolfenbüttel to Braunschweig. His court and the Elite demanded the production of luxury goods from local established craftsmen, and from those who arrived in the city to satisfy that demand.
There was a thriving porcelain factory here in the 18th century, producing wares that rivalled the more famous porcelain produced in Meißen. The family concern of "Stobwasser" produced miniature portraits painted papier-mache, all finished with their own secret, super shiny lacquer, and the "Van Selow" family factory produced mosiac patterned furniture. I have attached photos of the craftmanship that most caught my eye, that of the scenes made of tiny pieces of coral, glass and pearls mosaics.
The Städtisches museum, with flags flying on a dreary, damp and cold June day.
Coral mosiac table-top.
The huntsman and his hunting dogs, are portrayed in tiny pearls, coloured glass and coral. The craftsmanship was wonderful, and with each piece being about the size of pearl barley or a grain of rice, the design must have taken months to complete.
A table-top with a dancing bear.
Poor old bear, thank goodness we no longer find this ill treatment a spectacle.
A formalised garden scene on a small table-top.
A fire-screen with an exotic bird in a bush.
Various items decorated in a fine mosaic of pearls, coral and glass. I wanted to stroke the dove, such was the sheen on his mosiac wings and neck. The exhibition last until October, so I will pay another visit before I leave in late August.
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