After a most horrendous crossing during which I was re-acquainted with both my breakfast and lunch, we finally arrived in Jersey and the beautiful town of St Aubin. I obviously looked sufficiently ill to be given the most fabulous garden suite which overlooked this harbour.
By Tuesday morning we were teaching workshops... four different groups all being taught in the same hall was interesting at times but on the whole worked well.
It has been a real pleasure and privilege to be teaching alongside such talented tutors as Ruth Issett, Margaret Beal, Cas Holmes, Jenny Rayment and Paddy Killer and I'm still not sure what I was doing there!
It was hard work but there was a lot of laughter... sometimes totally out of control! I'll post more about the workshops later in the week.
There was also some free time to see a little of the island and after two and half days of consecutive workshops we got to see St Matthew's church which has the most amazing display of glass by Rene Lalique. These four angels are on the altar of the Lady Chapel.
The main cross behind the communion table stands over four metres high and is flanked by two pillars. All three are internally illuminated and decorated with Madonna lilies.
And the font is believed to be the only glass font in the world, with a moulded fluted glass stand and an etched glass bowl. It was quite stunning.
More teaching on Friday followed by a bit more free time meant Ruth and I got to drive up the West Coast which was beautiful.
The Corbiere Lighthouse.And yesterday I had a chance to walk around the most south westerley point of the Island where I saw such delights as this gorgeous Mimosa tree...
and St Brelade's Bay.
The journey home was far less traumatic than the journey out. Ruth, Paddy and I hired a four berth cabin, which was intimate to say the least and caused much hilarity as we collectively removed our shoes and exposed our "gorgonzola" feet! I managed to end up in the top bunk which was a little precarious and I had visions of being launched off the side, but it was such a wonderful smooth crossing it wasn't a problem... even managed some sleep. We arrived in Portsmouth at about 6.30 am and I was home in time for breakfast and Sunday papers... and a beautifully redecorated bedroom! I'm wilting rapidly now though!
Oh dear! so sorry to hear of your treacherous crossing but glad it was better coming back. Thank you for showing those amazing photos ofthe Rene Lalique - I now want to go to Jersey asap. Your photos really give a flavour of the beauty of the island. I'll look forward to seeing more of the workshops. Oh, and you were there on merit, my dear!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, have a restful Sunday and no doubt a well deserved glass of the red stuff!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to get away to Jersey - it looks as though the island itself and the workshops were wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of the workshops...
ReplyDeleteI never knew Lalique made glass on that scale before - the angels are stunning!
That first crossing sounds grim though Gina - eeech.
Glad you are safely home. I did it last year and the weather was terrible then. We were on the last plane out of Sothampton - they stopped them flying after us. When we got there it was to find horrendous floods and we had to consider where to park the hire car so it didn't get swept away on the next high tide. It is fun, though and I bet you were a terrific hit.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have you back Gina!!! Horrible sounding journey out though - so I'm glad you didn't have to suffer the same on the way home!
ReplyDeleteLucy x
Welcome home Gina! Crikey the outward bound journey sounds a bit grim - didn't it make you wonder about perhaps booking a flight back?!
ReplyDeleteLalique glass - just scrummy. I adore the stained glass stuff but those pieces inside the church are so beautiful.
x
wElCoMe HoMe! GlAd YoU HaD a FaB TrIp.
ReplyDeleteThAt LaLiQuE lOoKs FaNtAsTiC. And ThE IsLaNd VeRy BeAuTiFul.
Oh SoRrY, dOeS mY wRiTiNg LoOk A lItTlE wObBlY? hOpE yOuR tUmMy SeTtLeS SoOn. ;-)
Glad to know that you are back safe and sound with plenty to tell us all about. Sorry about your journey out, it sounds like the return leg was more fun! What wonderful glass, now that would tempt me out to Jersey even in bad weather. Feet up and a glass or two sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great week even if it did start off a little 'rough'. Hope you get the chance to put your feet up a bit over the next couple of days now and relax.
ReplyDeleteA bad start but a very happy ending! Glad you had a fab time, it certainly looks lovely and interesting over there! x
ReplyDeleteAw Gina, so sorry but your post did make me smile! Sea sickness is the pits.
ReplyDeleteReally great and interesting post, looking forward to more.
We visited Jersey years and years ago and I do remember that evil crossing! I have a feeling everyone is always sick on the way out, and then hire cabins on the way back!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos - will we see what everyone made?
I did my teachitice in Weymouth and the wind is one of my strongest memories!! I stayed about 10 seconds from the seafront and it just whistled in there likes nobodys business! Your pictures of the Church are lovely, especially the font. Glad it all went well even though you now may need a rest.
ReplyDeletePhew! What an adventure Gina! Good to hear that you are back and have had such a good time.
ReplyDeleteThat Lalique glass looks amazing!!!!
Hope you've got you feet up and a well deserved glass of something :-)
Celia
x
what a week!!! ~ think I recognise my friend in one of the photos :) which are amazing and the church looks beautiful, hope you have a quieter week ~ cant wait to see the students' work ~ Judy
ReplyDeleteWow Gina -- it sounds like you had a wonderful week. The Lalique is amazing -- how lucky you were to be able to see it. Sorry you got seasick. ;-( The "redecorated bedroom" has me intrigued!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a little view of home. (I grew up in Weymouth) Your trip does sound exciting. Glad the workshops went well, thanks for sharing the glass.
ReplyDeleteSo, no rowing round the Serpentine on Thursday then...
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a horrid crossing on the way out, but what a wonderful week it must have been for you and your students. All I know of Jersey is from watching Bergerac - I would love to go there. That Lalique glass is so amazing.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your crossings but it does sound like you had a lot of fun and, of course, you have evey right to be there with the other talented artists! Carolyn x
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