The Base of the Bellows

It's quite an interesting challenge to only photograph things in the house over 10 days - I do have to search out the photos!

These bellows have a story, naturally. They belonged to my grandfather, and then my father. In 1959, when mum was in hospital having my older brother, she had a hemorrhage and had to stay in hospital for a couple of weeks to recover. Whilst she was there, dad was home alone, and obviously bored in the evenings. He carved a design on the front of the bellows. Given that he'd never done that type of woodwork, he made rather a good job of it. You can just see the pattern above the tacks.

They hang with pride by the side of our wood burning stove. Rarely used, but occasionally they are useful if we let the fire go down too far.

[julia]

Great textures.. Things that were done before TV, cell phones and other modern distractions.. What a treasure to have..

[bkb in the city]

Great capture and story

[Casablanca]

This is super! What fabulous mosaic-like textures. Are you two doing okay?

[Issi Bannerman]

@casablanca Yes! We are fine. John has been released from his 10 day self-isolation and is 100% fine. I've got 5 more days to go, but I'm also fine. Our symptoms have been like a light cold - no fever, no cough, no headaches. To be frank, I suspect we wouldn't have thought to test for COVID if it hadn't been for visits to dad requiring a negative LFT. Glad to get it all out of the way before Christmas!

[Casablanca]

@jamibann Ah, glad to hear it. So often the symptoms are like a cold with the recent versions, particularly for those vaccinated. Glad you are doing okay and I heartily wish you well soon.

[Valerie Chesney]

A treasure from your Gr Father & Father.....So pleased you are both well...

[Diana]

A wonderful capture of this lovely keepsake. The carving is great and so are the textures. So glad to read that you are doing well.

[Kathy A]

This is a wonderful photo, fabulous pov, tones and textures. I’m glad you are both doing well and will soon be out of isolation

[Wylie]

what a lovely, and useful, keepsake!

[Babs]

Love the patterns and textures.

[Merrelyn]

Lovely tones and textures

[Shutterbug]

Beautiful texture shot and love the story. Hope you are feeling ok and getting well.

[Christina]

Sounds like your self isolation has made you photograph outside of your comfort zone and you have risen to the occasion. Great shot!

[Kathy]

I like the close up look at the texture and patina of the aged leather and brass tacks.

[haskar]

Great pov and tone. I have also to do tests before visiting my mom, and I am always concerned about the result.

[LManning (Laura)]

Beautiful light and textures in this shot. Wonderful to have the story to go with it.

[Taffy]

Glad you are healthy despite the Covid diagnosis. Scary stuff! And fun to see how you've used your at-home time. These are interesting images.

[eDorre]

Neat focus and love the story! Also glad you are ok

[Sarah Bremner]

What a houseful of treasure you have and great to have time to explore and choose what to share here. Hope you're feeling fine and having some restful days.