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#macromondays #checkered
I decided to share this image for the upcoming #macromondays theme called #checkered
The term checkered has multiple meanings depending on the context:
1. Pattern
In design and visual contexts, checkered refers to:
A pattern made up of alternating squares, typically in two contrasting colors, such as black and white.
It is commonly seen in items like checkered flags (used in racing), tablecloths, clothing, or tiles.
Variations include:
Regular checkered: Uniform, equally-sized squares.
Irregular checkered: Squares may vary in size or arrangement.
2. Metaphorical Meaning
In a figurative sense, checkered describes:
A history, career, or past with mixed fortunes or events, often containing both successes and failures or good and bad times.
Example: "He had a checkered past, marked by both notable achievements and controversies."
3. Other Contexts
Geography/Maps: "Checkered" might describe a landscape or map divided into squares or parcels.
Textiles: In fabric design, it’s one of the oldest patterns, often associated with certain cultural or traditional garments (like tartans or plaid).
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The front door of the The Banco de Portugal in Faro, located in Praça D. Francisco Gomes (or "Jardim").
Built in 1926, under the guidance of architect Adães Bermudes , it is an interesting example of Neo-Manueline Revival architecture , with Islamic suggestions on the main door.
Chisholm Trail Crossing bridge in Round Rock, Texas, featuring a metal structure with trees in the background.
Fujica Professional GL690
Kodak 400TX
Developed at home
VueScan / Canon 9000F Mark II
through the lens, the vibrant red of the vintage seat shimmered like a drop of molten lava. its curves, sculpted and proud, spoke of a time when cars had a personality, a flair that demanded attention without asking for it. parked by the marina, it stood like a jewel against the cool blue of the sky, its chrome details catching the sun like polished mirrors. this wasn't just a car; it was a character from a forgotten story, waiting for the road to whisper its name again.
At the corner where Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade meets Rua Alexandre Herculano, a striking dialogue unfolds between two centuries of architecture. An ornate Art Nouveau façade, adorned with soft blue stucco and intricate plaster details, stands in seamless conversation with a gleaming glass tower that rises above it. Together they tell the story of Lisbon’s evolving urban identity—a city where modernity doesn’t erase the past but embraces it.
The original early twentieth-century structure, with its sculpted balconies and arched windows, reflects the optimism of a newly industrial Portugal. Its elegant symmetry and classical ornamentation reveal a careful balance between restraint and flourish, typical of Lisbon’s Belle Époque architectural vocabulary. Corinthian pilasters, carved garlands, and wrought-iron railings were designed not just for beauty, but as a statement of civic pride—an architectural promise that the city would always look upward.
Decades later, when Lisbon began to redefine itself for the contemporary era, the building’s upper floors were encased in mirrored glass. Rather than demolish or conceal the older façade, architects chose to preserve and reinterpret it—an act of adaptive reuse that honors both craftsmanship and progress. The new structure reflects clouds, sky, and surrounding rooftops, creating a living canvas that changes with each passing moment.
Standing here, one can feel the weight of Lisbon’s layered history. Horse-drawn carriages once clattered along this boulevard; now bicycles and electric cars glide by. Pedestrians pause at the corner café, their reflections rippling across the mirrored façade. Above them, the Art Nouveau curves—each carved flourish weathered but resilient—remind us that permanence and change can coexist in the same breath.
The interplay of glass and stone becomes a metaphor for Lisbon itself: a city shaped by earthquakes and empires, now reborn through creativity and respect for its architectural heritage. The reflection of the historic dome within the tower’s surface is more than coincidence—it’s dialogue made visible. The building stands as a case study in urban evolution, where architectural preservation becomes an act of storytelling.
In architectural photography, moments like this invite both precision and wonder. The vertical sweep of the façade draws the eye upward, while the mirrored surfaces blur the boundaries between solid form and open sky. It’s a composition of contrast and continuity—old craftsmanship meeting modern abstraction.
Lisbon’s enduring charm lies in this balance: the courage to build forward without forgetting the artistry behind. This corner, caught between reflection and reality, feels like the city in miniature—resilient, elegant, and endlessly reinventing itself.
Historic black-and-white photograph of Grand Hotel Praha in Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia, taken in the 1950s, featuring classic European architecture amidst a natural mountain setting.
Um candeeiro de rua tradicional é uma peça de iluminação pública que se encontra em muitas cidades históricas, como Lisboa. Estes candeeiros têm um design elegante e clássico, que se harmoniza com a arquitetura e o ambiente da cidade. Os candeeiros de rua tradicionais são geralmente feitos de ferro fundido ou bronze, com uma forma alongada e curva, com uma lâmpada na ponta. Alguns candeeiros, como este, têm também ornamentos ou brasões que representam a identidade da cidade ou do bairro.
A traditional street lamp is a piece of street lighting found in many historic cities, such as Lisbon. These lamps have an elegant, classic design that harmonizes with the architecture and atmosphere of the city. Traditional street lamps are usually made of cast iron or bronze, with an elongated, curved shape and a bulb at the end. Some lamps, like this one, also have ornaments or coats of arms that represent the identity of the city or neighborhood.
© All Rights Reserved
Created for the B Square "Classic" challenge
Time for a hot bath after all that cold rain :)
The interior of the RMS Queen Mary is a time capsule of Art Deco elegance, preserved with remarkable care. From rich materials to sleek, geometric forms, the design speaks to a time when travel was as much about refinement as it was about destination. A floating showcase of 1930s luxury.
Standing proudly at the heart of Lisbon, between Rossio Square and the grand Avenida da Liberdade, the Hotel Avenida Palace is one of Portugal’s most exquisite architectural landmarks. Designed by José Luís Monteiro and completed in 1892, this Belle Époque masterpiece has witnessed over a century of political, cultural, and social transformation—all while retaining its opulent charm and original elegance.
The hotel’s façade is a study in neoclassical symmetry and Parisian influence, a deliberate reflection of Lisbon’s late 19th-century aspiration to join the ranks of Europe’s great cosmopolitan capitals. The central pediment, framed by paired Corinthian pilasters and crowned with sculptural ornamentation, draws the eye upward toward the rooftop sign—its glowing letters spelling “Hotel Avenida Palace” like a promise of timeless luxury. Arched windows, wrought-iron balconies, and stone-carved details balance precision with grandeur, while the red mansard roof provides a warm contrast against the pale limestone.
Inside, the Avenida Palace transports visitors into another era. The interior still features original furniture, marble columns, gilded mirrors, and crystal chandeliers, echoing the elegance of fin-de-siècle Europe. This was a hotel built not merely for travelers but for royalty, dignitaries, and writers—its guest list includes King Edward VII, Eça de Queiroz, and numerous Portuguese intellectuals who gathered here to exchange ideas beneath frescoed ceilings.
The building’s location at the intersection of the Rossio train station and Avenida da Liberdade symbolizes the meeting of two worlds: the traditional and the modern, the local and the cosmopolitan. It was constructed during Lisbon’s expansion under the Marquês de Pombal’s urban vision—a time when the city embraced wide boulevards, formal façades, and French-style architecture as markers of progress. Today, the Avenida Palace remains a living piece of that architectural dialogue, bridging 19th-century splendor with contemporary hospitality.
Captured in soft morning light, this photograph highlights the hotel’s delicate balance between ornament and order. The cobblestone plaza in front, polished by generations of footsteps, enhances the building’s quiet dignity. Even amid Lisbon’s ongoing evolution, the Avenida Palace endures as a symbol of heritage architecture, representing both the city’s resilience and its enduring sense of refinement.
Art deco pride and splendour, paid for by previous generations and sold to the developers by the Labour council !, is nothing sacred ?.
The Built Environment.
LR3278
BLVD is a classic American restaurant inspired by Hollywood’s Sunset Blvd—the golden era’s famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. The space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood.
Brooks B.17 another classic what else is there to say. Classic leather bicycle saddle, I needed to buy a new one, because at he old one, the frame assembly was broken.
The saddle came just in time for the Macro Monday theme embossed.
Now, about the frame assembly being broken – that's a hard pill to swallow. This isn't a saddle you toss and replace; it's like losing an old friend. Frame failures are rare, but they do happen, especially if the saddle has been through extreme conditions or wasn't properly maintained. Steel can fatigue, and once a crack forms, it's generally not long for this world. If it's just the tensioning bolt or the rails, you might be able to get replacement parts. If the leather is still in good shape, it's worth trying to repair.
Anyway, I hope that technical rundown did the B.17 justice. It's a product of craftsmanship and practical engineering, built to stand the test of time. Well, mostly.
“Dutch post-war numeral stamps designed by Jan van Krimpen, showing the classic 1–8 cent values in their original vibrant colors.” In use from 1946 - 1969
The Queen Mary’s interior remains one of the finest surviving examples of marine Art Deco design. Despite the passing of decades, the ship’s clean lines, lavish details, and craftsmanship still impress, preserving the atmosphere of luxury that once defined ocean liner travel.
Step inside the RMS Queen Mary and you’re immersed in the glamour of a bygone era. The Art Deco interiors, filled with polished wood, glass, and metalwork, reflect the ship’s role as a symbol of modernity and prestige during the golden age of transatlantic travel.
The Auburn’s front exudes timeless elegance — sweeping curves, bold chrome details, and a commanding grille that whispers luxury and speed. A true icon of 1930s craftsmanship.
Hard to believe "Modern" from the '30's -is still valid today- THAT'S a CLASSIC!
Listing Agents: Barry Sloane, Sotheby's International Realty, 310-786-1844
Due Diligence: Movie producer Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, whose resume includes the 2003 youth drama "Thirteen," bought this 1934 house five years ago for $3 million.
It was built for actress Anna Sten. Neutra, one of the most famous California architects, designed the house in the International Style, with rows of tall windows overlooking rolling lawns and the ocean.
Mr. Levy-Hinte says he spent $4.5 million for a complete restoration, helped by Neutra's original drawings.
Asked why he's selling the house for little more than its purchase and restoration costs,
Mr. Levy-Hinte terms the price tag "appropriate for the market."
He says he's now spending more time away from Los Angeles.
www.wsj.com/articles/a-richard-neutra-designed-home-on-th...
www.trulia.com/property/35934192-126-Mabery-Rd-Santa-Moni...
CineStill 800T, L'Aiglon cocktail bar, Singapore. This bar closed up sometime ago, it's interior was so cool.
Digital version here: flic.kr/p/2k7FtWc
Wooden dolly pegs. I haven't seen these for sale in years.
No worries about pesky UV rotting them, and completely recyclable.
Pootling about in a car that doesn't go anywhere fast, parking up amidst the trees and vines that line your gravel and cobbled driveway to your beautiful ancient stone built home for a glass of red while the warm evening breeze wafts through the shutters.
A striking blue Porsche, parked on a cobblestone street in a historic European town. The vibrant color and sleek curves of this vintage beauty steal the spotlight amidst the charming old-world architecture. An iconic classic car capturing the perfect blend of retro style and timeless engineering.
A vintage candlestick telephone, characterized by its distinctive and elegant early-20th-century design. The phone's age is apparent in the texture of its metal surface, worn and partially stripped of paint, revealing a mix of black paint and aged brass beneath, giving it an authentic antique charm. The mouthpiece is large and funnel-shaped, slightly tilted downward, while the slender, cylindrical body rises prominently from a round, weighted base. A coiled cord snakes away from the receiver, emphasizing the phone’s analog nature.
The scene is illuminated with a warm, ambient glow, casting gentle highlights and shadows across the phone and accentuating the metallic textures. In the background, hints of soft orange light enhance a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, while blurred objects such as vintage containers, jars, and greenery subtly decorate the scene, contributing to the overall antique ambiance. The entire composition evokes a sense of history, nostalgia, and timelessness, capturing a relic of past communication technology in a richly detailed and moody setting.
As the sun sets over the Tagus River, Lisbon’s Ponte 25 de Abril transforms from a feat of engineering into a work of art. Beneath its soaring red trusses, light and shadow play across the urban fabric—weathered walls, brick warehouses, and the occasional splash of graffiti. This view, taken from the Alcântara district, captures the essence of modern Lisbon: a city where history and industry meet beneath the hum of progress.
Completed in 1966 and originally named Ponte Salazar, the bridge was renamed after the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, which restored democracy to Portugal. Its resemblance to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge isn’t coincidental—both were built by the same American firm, the American Bridge Company. Yet while the visual echo is undeniable, Lisbon’s bridge has its own character. Its steel structure stretches elegantly across the Tagus, connecting the capital to Almada and symbolizing a nation moving forward while honoring its turbulent past.
Standing beneath it, one feels the monumental scale of the construction. The rhythm of the supporting columns and the geometric pattern of the girders create a visual cadence—part architecture, part music. The concrete piers catch the last warm light of day, glowing amber against the fading blue sky. Below, the remnants of Alcântara’s industrial quarter tell another story: of warehouses reborn as cafés, galleries, and event spaces. It’s a perfect example of adaptive reuse, where the city reclaims its industrial heritage and transforms it into cultural vitality.
The juxtaposition is striking. The old brick façade, weathered by salt air and time, holds its ground beneath the sleek lines of twentieth-century infrastructure. This layering of eras—historic reuse beneath modern engineering—defines Lisbon’s architectural identity. The bridge doesn’t overshadow the neighborhood; it frames it. Its vast underbelly becomes a canopy of shadow and sound, humming with the vibration of trains and traffic above, yet oddly serene below.
Photographically, the view is irresistible. The converging lines of the bridge draw the eye toward infinity, while the earthy textures of the foreground root the image in the tangible world. The soft pastel sky reflects Lisbon’s unique Atlantic light—a phenomenon that has inspired painters, poets, and photographers for generations. It’s no wonder this spot, once overlooked, has become one of the city’s most photographed sites.
In many ways, the 25 de Abril Bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s Lisbon’s emblem of endurance. It unites art and engineering, the old and the new, the river and the sky. Standing here as the city glows beneath it, one can’t help but feel that this is where Lisbon breathes most deeply: between the quiet dignity of its past and the boundless energy of its future.
Next to the Salisbury Arms, one of the oldest Hotel and Public House in Hertford, stands this charming Dutch designed blue bike. I like the simplicity of the composition with the parking warden wandering down Fore Street looking for unwitting custom, there is an irony in this snap.
The final editing was in Adobe Photoshop Express which helped me accentuate the dull day with the blue of the bike matching the roof of the Corn Exchange further down Fore Street.
Feast your eyes on the Agfa Silette, a true classic from the golden age of analog photography. ️ With its sleek design and reliable Prontor-SVS shutter, this 35mm beauty was the go-to for enthusiasts who wanted simplicity and elegance in every shot.
Sure, it’s not the flashiest camera, but it’s got soul. ✨ Imagine all the memories this little gem has captured over the years – family moments, scenic travels, and maybe even a budding photographer’s first masterpiece.
Who else feels a spark of nostalgia when they see cameras like this? Let’s chat about your favorite vintage gear in the comments!
🔖 Tags: #AgfaSilette #VintageCameras #FilmIsNotDead #AnalogPhotography #RetroGear #ClassicDesign