by James Balston | Oct 18, 2016 | Architecture, Churches, Heritage, Travel
I try to use my National Trust membership much as one uses motorway services. On a long drive across the country, they’re wonderful places to stop, stretch your legs, and have a cup of tea. Ok, so you can’t buy petrol, but then the price of petrol at... 
by James Balston | Oct 7, 2016 | Architecture, Churches, Cityscape, Classical, Colour, Decoration, Heritage, Instagram, Travel
My horizons have broadened a little more after our week spent in Northern Italy. It’s no surprise that those 17th, 18th & 19th century aristocrats, aesthetes, and architects were so inspired by what they found there. We based ourselves in the beautiful and... 
by James Balston | Jun 16, 2015 | 1960s, Architecture, Churches, Crystal Palace, Heritage, Leisure, London, The Triangle SE19
Outside the confines of South London, many people have quite likely never heard of Upper Norwood, and if they have, would struggle to place it exactly. But if I referred to my local neighbourhood by its other name, eyes will light up. Crystal Palace, as it is better... 
by James Balston | Oct 24, 2014 | Architecture, Art, Churches, Exhibitions, Heritage, Pubs, Uncategorized
England’s cathedrals are repositories for some of the country’s greatest artistic treasures. From carving in wood and stone, to the great stained glass windows, painting, embroidery and metalwork, art not only adorns these buildings, it is part of their... 
by James Balston | Apr 8, 2014 | Architecture, Churches, Classical, Heritage, London
I’ve always thought Mount Street in Mayfair to be one of London’s most elegant streets. Part of its beauty lies in the uniformity of so many of the decorated terracotta facades, so it was a surprise to discover while researching this post, that it was... 
by James Balston | Jan 21, 2013 | Art, Artists' Homes, Churches
A bowling hall, an underground public toilet and a garage, have all featured on this blog. Homes have been converted from the most unlikely of uses, but now finally I have shot a less unconventional conversion, namely a former Weslyan chapel in Lincolnshire. This...