Unsurprisingly, there are books and bookshelves everywhere you look in Rudyard Kipling's former home, Batemans. His study is no exception and most of the walls are packed with books of so many kinds.
His study was in an upstairs room looking out over the gardens and like the rest of the interior, very difficult to photograph because the rooms are so dark.
So I snapped the desk area by the window over the roped off area and pulled the brightness and shadows up in processing.
I loved all the chaotic bits and pieces over it, clearly not a "clean desk" person. Mementoes from various places abroad he had lived and visited, the huge hourglass, paper knives, blotters and pens. Best of all it looks as if he has just got up to find a cup of tea and left his glasses on the piece he was working on. Something so iconic about those glasses.
Superb and a fascinating glimpse into Kipling's life. What a great collection of objects, I love his spectacles, I bet you were not allowed within touching distance! Did you manage to get one of his chair?
@allsop I loved those glasses just lying there too! Felt like he had just stepped out of the room.
Didn't get the chair, just too dark. And yes, not allowed anywhere near! I need to return when I can and try different settings. Just so dark in there that many shots were what I used to call "thin negatives" and were not worth keeping. I think we will try for a week day when we can. So much more that I saw but couldn't capture. Would love to try again because it was all so interesting.
I thought to myself this chap has just got up from that desk briefly…..I love how lived in this desk is……so personal. Wonderful Casa. My sort of house.
Been looking at this excellent series again and in this photo I am intrigued by the narrow trough-like wooden object in front of the box containing paper and envelopes, any idea what its purpose is? I know the cylindrical object in front of it is a wooden ruler, my father had a similar ebony one, it was very tactile and a joy hold.
August 22nd, 2024
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Didn't get the chair, just too dark. And yes, not allowed anywhere near! I need to return when I can and try different settings. Just so dark in there that many shots were what I used to call "thin negatives" and were not worth keeping. I think we will try for a week day when we can. So much more that I saw but couldn't capture. Would love to try again because it was all so interesting.
A tidy desk is the desk of a bored person. He definitely wasn't bored.