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View allAll Photos Tagged efficiency
Everything in Nature is so interesting and every day I learn something new. 🌺
- Stigmas are adapted to trap pollen with hairs, flaps and other surfaces to increase their efficiency. Most stigmas are covered with a waxy, sticky substance. This wet substance allows stigmas to provide an important service by re-hydrating dry pollen to prepare the grains to enter the ovary and initiate the process of fertilization.-
Mingus Mill, on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a prime example of late 19th century engineering efficiency.
While nearly all mills have a millrace (seen here) channeling water from a stream to a mill-wheel, this mill channels the water into a penstock, which is a tall shaft of water maintained at a constant pressure to turn a turbine at the end of a pipe at the base of the shaft. The turbine is attached to the grinding stones; and, in this case, generates about 11hp at 400 rpm - pretty solid for its day!
The turbine is more efficient than a water wheel, which typically sits in water itself and has some back-pressure, and significant losses in the turn cycle.
The mill was an important hub in frontier life. Typically, families would bring their grains on Saturday for the miller to ground into flour. The miller would take a portion as payment (typically around 1/8) and might sell it to other users or customers who were conducting other bartering business in the nearby open spaces.
This mill, on the Mingus Creek, was built in 1886 and operated daily until 1930s when the NPS bought the land to make this Great Smoky Mountains NP. The NPS restored the mill to operational status in 1968, and it is used to demonstrate frontier life to visitors daily. While it is still fully functional, the grain milled here can not be sold for consumption because the resulting flour has been touched by so many tourists that it cannot be USDA approved.
Select Fine Art prints of this and other images can be purchased at bit.ly/ProPeak
As far as I can tell, sea otters have a well-refined process for eating crabs: (1) eat the legs first, so it can't run away (2) snap off and eat the claws second, so they won't pinch your face (3) pop off the carapace to eat all the insides and (4) rinse and repeat with new crabs until naptime. Sea otter and kelp crab, Monterey, California.
What accelerates 0-60 in ~2 seconds, has around 1000hp, and has a price starting at over a lofty 1/2 million? A Ferrari SF90, that's what! Get out your checkbooks, gents!
Not all plug-in hybrids are built for efficiency; some are built for speed. The Ferrari SF90 is one such counterexample, combining a twin-turbo V-8 with a trio of electric motors and a 6.5-kWh battery pack to spit out 986 horsepower in standard trim. The SF90XX models, laser-focused on race-track driving, get an extra 30 horsepower—as if they needed it—awarding the SF90 lineup entry in the four-digit power club. The massive power output goes to all four wheels with the front tires driven electrically. Double-X versions also have a stripped-down interior and other changes in the pursuit of all-out lap time. The standard SF90 is now available only as a convertible called the Spider, with a luxurious cabin lined in leather and featuring an unconventional screen-and-control layout. The XX can still be had in Stradale coupe form or as a Spider. Whichever version of the SF90 you fancy in your wild imaginings, know that the powertrain, aerodynamics, and chassis wizardry come together to make one of the best mid-engine sports cars in the world—Ferrari or otherwise.
The standard SF90 Spider comes packed with enough amenities to make it a satisfying pick, especially if you plan to keep to the street more than a race track. If you want to give this Ferrari a more customized appearance, you can select from a host of upholstery choices and paint hues. There are several different wheel designs, and the list of available upgrades includes carbon-fiber components, a titanium exhaust, a digital rearview mirror, and brake calipers in a variety of colors. Which one to buy? There’s no wrong answer.
With the SF90, power comes from a massively powerful V-8 and three electric motors. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 generates a mighty 769 horsepower on its own, and the trio of electric motors provides an additional 217 horsepower. In the end, the gas/electric powertrain generates a net output of 986 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading to the SF90 XX unlocks 30 more horsepower for a total of 1016 hp and adds a feature Ferrari calls Extra Boost, which temporarily increases power output to help regain speed when exiting a corner. Power is sent to all four wheels, making this the first mid-engine Ferrari with all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission oversees the proceedings. Different driving modes allow you to tailor the car's handling to suit your preferences. Use the mode selector to dial up EV Only, Hybrid, Performance, or, last but not least, Qualify—a setting that allows you to fully exploit the car's performance capabilities.
Car and Driver
This power plant was originally designed for cogeneration (steam and electrical power). As soon as it was completed, it was converted to utilize the steam to turn a steam generator, so, it is strickly a power plant now.
I know a seasoned artist who would like to have a shirt like this. She has been challenged on the price of her portraits. Her response is "You are also paying for the 40 years it takes to get this good." I can understand the point.
Boeing
Boeing 747-8KZF/SCD
cn 36137/1422/ JAW
The 747-8 is a development of the Boeing 747, which takes advantage of improvements in technology and aerodynamics. The two variants of the 747-8 were launched in 2005, and, as of 2006, both will feature a fuselage stretch of 18.3 ft (5.6 m) over the 747-400, bringing the total length to 250 ft 2½ in (76.264 m). The 747-8 will be the world's longest passenger airliner, surpassing the Airbus A340-600 by 3.6 ft (1.1 m). With a maximum take-off weight of 975,000 lb (442,000 kg),] the 747-8 is the heaviest aircraft, commercial or military, manufactured in the United States.
Compared to the 747-400, the main technical changes will be on the wing of the aircraft, which will undergo a complete design overhaul. The sweep and basic structure will be kept to contain costs, but the wing will be thicker and deeper, with the aerodynamics recalculated. The pressure distribution and bending moments will be different, with the new wing for the passenger version being planned to hold 64,225 US gal (243,120 L) of jet fuel, and the cargo aircraft 60,925 US gal (230,630 L). The new wing will have single-slotted outboard flaps and double-slotted inboard flaps.
Raked wingtips, similar to the ones used on the 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and 787 models, are used on the new 747 variant instead of winglets used on the 747-400. These wingtip structures help reduce the wingtip vortices at the lateral edges of the wings, decreasing wake turbulence and drag, and thereby increasing fuel efficiency. Another effort to reduce weight is the introduction of fly-by-wire technology for the majority of the lateral controls.
The extra fuel capacity in the redesigned wing compared to the 747-400 obviates the need to radically change the horizontal tail unit to accommodate auxiliary tanks, further saving costs. The -8's vertical tail unit will be largely unchanged with a height of 63 feet 6 inches (19.35 m).[43] Some carbon fiber-reinforced plastic will be part of the 747-8's airframe to reduce weight. However, structural changes will mostly be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary with respect to the 747-400.
The General Electric GEnx, which is one of the two powerplant choices currently offered for the Boeing 787, will be the only engine available for the 747-8. However, the 747 variant will be adapted to provide bleed air for conventional aircraft systems and feature a smaller diameter to fit on the 747 wing. The flight tests of the GEnx 2b engine fitted to a Boeing 747-100 aircraft at the left inner engine began in March 2009.
Airbus A321-251N D-AVXB Airbus Industrie NEO "unbeatable fuel efficiency" Riga International Airport RIX/EVRA Latvia
Hmmm...I wish! I saw this parked up at the airport today. I'd love to have one of these. As much as I love the fuel efficiency of my turbo 4 cylinder in my MKV GTI, I really wish I had a VR6. My other GTI is a VR6, and the VW Eurovan I drive all the time for work has a VR6. Plus, All wheel Drive would be quite beneficial!
Two Otters were foraging and I had to admire their efficiency.They seldom made a dive without getting a tasty morsel.I didn't know there were fish like this in this body of water.Usually small trout,Sticklebacks and Crawdads are more the usual.
One of my attempts at the "Crazy Tuesday" theme "Silhouettes in BW".
Shot with a "Tomioka-Copal 82 mm F 4" (enlarging) lens on a Canon EOS R5.
Seemingly Chiselled from stone the Marsh Harrier (when it comes to looks at least) is a 'brute' of a bird
A winged nightmare whether you be avian or small mammal., this super predator can twist and dive in a blink of an eye., those razor sharp claws ready to tear you apart with lethal efficiency
Photographically it's a game of patience., waiting., and then hoping your quick enough to capture the deadly moment
For my video; youtu.be/hbZfA9q_AGY?si=wM5jmyn3WgLXhTyh,
Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia, Vancouver International Airport, YVR, Canada
Cessna 525 Citation Jet
Southern Efficiency
Shaw, Washington, DC
This photo featured in the PoPville caption contest. Results!
efficiency is ... two landmarks of beautiful Budapest on one picture, shot without a tripod, just by leaning on a wall :-))
Given the number of these floating around my yard, I don't even want to consider what the dandelion population in my grass will be next year!
The really wonderful version of this subject is over in Cerstin's stream.
I had never seen a Yilgarn triggerplant before. The throat appendages have a functional beauty that attracts and guides pollinators and enhances pollination efficiency. They also attract photographers. Focus stacked image. florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/7810
Unfortunately my lightroom stopped working. This is about 60% efficiency of the pic done by Picture manager.
It may be correct but I’ve never seen a motorbike being given a parking ticket in my life. Motorcycles are very efficient in both road space and fuel efficiency which help our climate. Having been a Vespa user in my youth I have sympathy with this bike owner.
Kingsburg, Ca.
Friday evening, as if on cue for the Labor Day Weekend, several fires have broken out within 60 miles of Kingsburg in the Sierras. Our air quality is crappy on a normal basis. Then the numerous fires started by lightening in the Bay Area, Santa Cruz and Monterey areas, brought more smoke and particulates to our valley. The Monterey fires started when we were over there for five days trying to get away and hoping for cooler temperatures and better air quality. That didn't work out (except for the cooler air part).
Back home we watch as a small fire starting Friday night grows to consume huge amounts of Sierra forests. Areas that were packed with Labor Day weekend campers, boaters, hikers and whatever, were shut down and evacuated. More ash and particulates now pouring into the valley.
Each morning when I wake up, I have an internal debate about whether I'm better off not to go for a walk and become more sedentary, or go for a walk and breathe in all manner of toxins. Some days I go, some not. This morning I was up at 4:30 A.M., and out the door around five. As I backed the car out of the driveway, I realized I forgot my hat, so stopped and went inside to get one. As I passed the headlights, I could see lots of small particles of smoke, ash, or whatever, dancing around. Needless to say, I didn't have much trouble imagining that stuff lodging itself deep into my breathing apparati. Deflated, I drove to the donut shop and got a cup of coffee and two donuts to soothe my feelings of hopelessness. And, what better way to lift your spirits than a sugar and caffeine high? I then went to the place where I usually park the car and commence the walk, but today, I sat there in darkness eating my donuts, drinking the coffee, and listening to the news on NPR.
After that, I chose to cruise in the hopes that I might find an image for my camera as the sunrise appeared. Nothing found. Just as I was giving up and headed home, I did see this. Seemed kind of fitting for the day.
OBSERVE Collective
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germanstreetphotography.com/michael-monty-may/
026/366
efficiency
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Less than a week ago, one of my good friends picked up a Brand New 2012 Honda CR-Z.
Thing is pretty awesome!
-Quick AND fuel efficient!
Wouldn't mind picking one up myself if I didn't have to lug around equipment all the time /sadface
Pretty decent gas mileage - 32+MPG
And it's a 6-Speed Manual Transmission with Eco-Saving Technology
The press of a button and you are ZOOM ZOOM
::
We will be doing rolling shots within the next couple of weeks! Be on the lookout!
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Canon 5DmII
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 L II @ 35mm @ f/8
ISO 800
Shutter 1/125
Daylight/Natural Light
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•Original Cree or Edison LED as Light source
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•Within 1 year pay-back period
•low maintenance cost
•Integral high efficiency driver and power supply
•CE, Rohs compliant
•Lumen maintenance: 98% at 1,000 hours
led down light, downlight led, led downlighting, led ceiling light, LED-Einbauleuchte
Benled lighting www.benled.com
Griffon Hoverwork have developed a new model of hovercraft called the 12000TD. The new craft is the most technically advanced and modern hovercraft available today, offering better fuel efficiency, low emissions and significantly less noise.
Hovertravel, is the first company to operate the new model of hovercraft, investing in two new passenger hovercraft to replace their ageing fleet, the two craft named 'Solent Flyer' and 'Island Flyer'. As the world's longest running commercial hovercraft operator, Hovertravel operate between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, making 70 journeys a day across the Solent.
The 22.4m craft is driven by two diesel engines that provide integrated lift and forward thrust and is capable of carrying 80 passengers or 12 tons of cargo, achieving a top speed of 50 knots.
Hovertravel is a ferry company operating from Southsea, Portsmouth to Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK. It is the only passenger hovercraft company currently operating in Britain since Hoverspeed stopped using its craft in favour of catamarans and ceasing all ferry operations in 2005.
Hovertravel is now the world's oldest hovercraft operator, and this service is believed to be unique in western Europe. Hovertravel has claimed that it is the world's only commercial passenger hovercraft service. The operator's principal service operates between Southsea Common on the English mainland and Ryde Transport Interchange on the Isle of Wight: the crossing time of less than 10 minutes makes it the fastest route across The Solent from land to land. This service commenced operations in 1965, Hovertravel currently operates two 12000TD hovercraft on a single route between Ryde and Southsea. Additionally, Hovertravel has frequently operated other routes throughout the United Kingdom, typically as charter services.
Recently repainted 4807 trundles through Canterbury in Sydney's Inner West on an ARHS ACT transfer run returning 3801 Limited's Water Gin to Eveleigh.
CityPlace Tower offers the following amenites:
100% Generator Backup System and Emergency Biofuel delivery program assuring uninterrupted power during the event of a utility power loss for two weeks.
Hurricane Impact Fenestration.
State-of-the-art security system allowing controlled 24/7 access. 24/7 security staff and concierge service screening all visitors entering the building.
Spectacular Ocean, Intracoastal waterway, and City Views.
Executive parking with direct access to the tenant's floor.
Onsite Conference Center with state-of-the-art audiovisual.
Valet and car detailing on-site.
Full-service Banking Branch, Drive-thru teller, and ATM.
as well as on-site property management.
LEED® Silver certified and Energy Star Certified.
The latest in energy-efficient touchless fixtures for energy conservation, cost savings, and wellness.
All Parking garages include electric vehicle charging stations and onsite bicycle storage.
Centralized airflow system with MERV-13 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters that retains more than 90% of common particles.
Non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) cleaning, disinfectant, and pest control products, reducing allergen and harsh chemical exposure.
Cleaning staff completing disinfectant high touch point cleaning before, during, and after hours.
Recycling program including Electronic and Toner Recycling.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.cityplacetower.com/home.axis
www.cityplacetower.com/home.axisen.phorio.com/file/310774023/
www.emporis.com/buildings/258526/cityplace-tower-west-pal...
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
This image stopped me in my tracks because everything in it is doing the same thing, just at different scales. Up close, the dune ripples stack into sharp, repeating chevrons. Pull back a little, and the dunes themselves form larger triangular shapes. Pull back even more, and the distant mountains repeat the pattern yet again. It felt like the desert was quietly showing off, saying, “By the way, I do geometry too.”
Infrared makes this kind of structure impossible to ignore. In IR, dry sand reflects light strongly, while shadows drop hard and fast into near-black. That contrast turns gentle curves into crisp edges and makes the repeating triangles feel almost architectural. The foreground ripples act like a visual metronome, ticking your eye forward until it crashes into the darker midground dune, then lifts again toward the pale, jagged mountains beyond.
From a science perspective, this repetition isn’t accidental. Wind sculpts ripples based on grain size and airflow, dunes organize themselves according to prevailing wind direction, and mountain ranges fracture and erode along structural weaknesses in the rock. Different processes, wildly different timescales, same visual language. Nature loves efficiency, and apparently it also loves triangles.
What really got me, standing there, was how playful it felt. This wasn’t a grand, epic, sky-on-fire moment. It was a quiet realization that if you pay attention long enough, the landscape starts rhyming with itself. I remember grinning and pointing it out to the workshop group like a kid who’d just discovered a secret passage. Moments like this are why I love infrared. It doesn’t invent drama, it just turns the volume up on patterns that were already there, waiting to be noticed.
Photo © copyright by Matt Payne.
Marked appropriately with '94th FS' titles, US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor 10-4194/FF based at JB Langley-Eustis, Virginia, lines up for recovery on RAF Lakenheath's Runway 06
These visiting stealth machines had been out that morning dicing with based 48th F-15's and the visiting US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet's
IMG_7153
A Plaxton "President" bodied Dennis Trident rests in the lanes at Lillyhall in the sort of weather that it will be hoping to make the most of this Summer.
X702JVV was new in 2000 to Cambus. In May 2014, whilst being driven "out of service", it was decapitated by a low bridge in Kempston whilst operating for Stagecoach Bedford.
Lillyhall is the one-stop shop for open-top conversions, both planned & unplanned, so it was no surprise that it arrived here.
It has been converted over the last few months and has just returned from Carlisle's Willowholme depot where it has received a full repaint into "Lakeland" livery.
It now awaits final fitting out of the interior before being redeployed elsewhere.
Cavendish Mews is a smart set of flats in Mayfair where flapper and modern woman, the Honourable Lettice Chetwynd has set up home after coming of age and gaining her allowance. To supplement her already generous allowance, and to break away from dependence upon her family, Lettice has established herself as a society interior designer, so her flat is decorated with a mixture of elegant antique Georgian pieces and modern Art Deco furnishings, using it as a showroom for what she can offer to her well heeled clients.
Today however we are not in Lettice’s flat. Instead, we have followed Lettice south-west, through the neighbouring borough of Belgravia to the smart London suburb of Pimlico and its rows of cream and white painted Regency terraces. There, in a smart red brick Edwardian set of three storey flats on Rochester Row, is the residence of Lettice’s client, recently arrived American film actress Wanetta Ward.
Now that the flat is completely redecorated under Lettice’s deft hands, Miss Ward has vacated her suite at the Metropole Hotel* and has been living at her Pimlico address for a few weeks now. As a thank you to Lettice, the American has invited her to afternoon tea. And so, we find ourselves in the beautifully appointed, spacious drawing room.
“Now, darling girl!” Miss Ward says as she sweeps into the drawing room through the green baize door that leads from the service area of the flat. “You must try my own brew of coffee!” She enthusiastically hoists a beautiful china coffee pot decorated with cherry blossoms in the air. “I promise you that you’ll never go back to that sludge you British call coffee after you’ve had this.”
Lettice smells the rich aroma from the pot’s spout as Miss Ward places it with an appropriately theatrical swoop, enhanced by the brightly coloured Spanish shawl draped over her bare shoulders, onto the silver tray on the cherrywood table between the Queen Anne style settee and the matching pair of Chinese armchairs. “It smells divine, Miss Ward.”
“Darling!” Miss Ward enthuses. “Divine isn’t the word for this!”
“I look forward to tasting it, then.” Lettice replies with a bemused smile. “And afternoon tea, Miss Ward?”
“I know! I know!” the American brandishes her hands in the air. “I admit I said it was a quaint observance, but it’s one that I’ve come to enjoy since living here in England. We might not have petit fours like they do at the Metropole, but trust me, Harriet has found the most wonderful little local bakery that makes an amazing selection of cookies. Try one!” She indicates to the plate piled generously with an assortment of brightly coloured and delicious looking biscuits.
“Harriet, Miss Ward?”
The American picks up a biscuit as she speaks and then pauses with it to her lips. “My new maid, Miss Chetwynd.”
Lettice considers the woman with a rather angular face in black silk moiré afternoon uniform and lace collar, cuffs, cap, apron and cap who answered the door. She didn’t strike her as having such a lovely name. She looked to be more of an Augusta or Bertha.
Miss Ward’s American voice interrupts Lettice’s contemplation. “Oh, I must thank you too, for the number of that domestics employment agency you gave me.”
“You can thank my mother, Miss Ward.” Lettice selects a small pink macaron and takes a ladylike bite from it before depositing the remainder on her plate. She feels the pastry and filling melt in her mouth. “She and I may not agree about a good many things, but Mater certainly knows the best agency In London for staff.”
“Well, Harriet is perfect!” Miss ward exclaims. “She fits in here so well, and she doesn’t throw a fit with all my comings and goings at all hours to and from the studio, taking telephone messages for me with the efficiency of a secretary, and she doesn’t even seem to mind the unannounced arrivals when friends come to pay call.”
“I do hope you told her about me coming today, Miss Ward.” Lettice remarks in alarm.
“Oh I did, Miss Chetwynd! It’s quite alright!” She stuffs the biscuit into her mouth, rubbing her fingers together to rid them of crumbs which tumble through the air and onto her lap where they disappear amidst the fuchsia coloured georgette of her dress. “Mind you,” she continues, speaking with her mouth full. “I don’t think Harriet likes it when I insist on making my own coffee.” She gulps loudly. “She doesn’t like it when I go onto the kitchen. She says it’s her domain.” She looks across at Lettice perched elegantly on the settee, dressed in a pretty pastel yellow frock that matches the trim of her straw hat. “I imagine your maid is the same.”
“I’m sure I haven’t asked Edith, Miss Ward.”
“Well, perhaps you should, Miss Chetwynd.”
“What a ridiculous notion!” Lettice laughs. “Of course she wouldn’t mind! It’s my flat. I can come and go where and when I please.”
“If you’ll pardon me, my dear girl,” Miss Ward picks up the coffee pot and pours the steaming, rich golden brown liquid first into Lettice’s cup and then her own. “But it’s a ridiculous notion that you don’t. If I may be so bold: it may be your flat, but you’re a lady, and even I, the egalitarian American in the room, knows that masters and servants don’t mix. You probably vex the poor little mouse when you swan into her domain, rather than ring the servant’s bell. Not that she would tell you that of course! Your maid is much to meek to speak her mind, whereas Harriet tells me that god invented servants’ bells, so I don’t have to go into her kitchen.” She smiles cheekily. “Mind you, I draw the line at her making coffee for me or my guests.” She indicates to the milk jug and sugar bowl. “Now, there is cream in the jug and sugar in the bowl Miss Chetwynd. Do help yourself.” She picks up the jug and glugs a dollop of cream into her coffee before scooping up two large heaped teaspoons of sugar.
After Lettice has added a small amount of cream and a flat teaspoon of sugar to her own coffee, she looks around the drawing room observantly whilst she stirs her cup’s contents. To her delight, and no little amount of surprise, the room remains as she designed it. She was quite sure that Wanetta would rearrange her well thought out designs as soon as she moved in, yet against her predictions the furniture remains where she had them placed, the gold and yellow Murano glass comport still standing in the centre of the mantelpiece, the yellow celadon vase with gold bamboo in place on the console table. Even the small white vase, the only piece left over from the former occupier’s décor, remains next to the comport on the mantle. The American was ready to throw it into the dustbin at every opportunity, yet it happily nestles between the comport and a large white china vase of vibrant yellow roses and lilies. It is as she notices the celadon vase that she sees the painting of Wanetta, which only arrived at the flat when its sitter did.
“So that’s the famous yellow portrait, Miss Ward,” Lettice remarks, admiring the likeness of the dark haired American, draped in a golden yellow oriental shawl, sitting languidly in a chair.
“Oh yes!” gasps Miss Ward as she turns around in her armchair to look at the painting hanging to the right of the fireplace, above a black console table. “You haven’t seen it, have you? Do you like it?”
“Yes I do,” acknowledges Lettice. “It’s a remarkable likeness, and the artist has captured the light in your eyes so well.”
“Thank you, darling girl! I think it’s beautiful.”
“So is your coffee!” Lettice remarks. “It’s quite delicious, and not at all what Bramley makes for me at Glynes**.”
“I told you, you British drink sludge.” She takes an appreciative, if overly large, gulp of her own coffee. “Now this, is real coffee.”
“So, have you christened your cocktail cabinet, yet?”
“Yes I have. I threw a cocktail party for the actors, actresses, director and crew when we wrapped up ‘After the Ball is Over’. It was quite the occasion!”
“Oh I could well imagine, Miss Ward.”
“Of course,” the American quickly adds. “I’m sure it wasn’t anywhere near as extravagant as your cocktail party that you threw for Mr. and Mrs. Channon.”
“You heard about that then, Miss Ward?”
“Heard about it? My darling girl,” Her eyes widen and sparkle with excitement. “I immersed myself in the article published by the Tattler, drinking in every little detail of your fabulous soiree. You looked stunning, darling!”
Lettice blushes and shuffles awkwardly in her seat on the settee at the brazen compliment. “Thank you, Miss Ward.”
“So did Mrs. Channon, of course! And wasn’t Lady Diana Cooper’s*** robe de style**** to die for?”
“Err, yes… quite, Miss Ward.” Lettice replies awkwardly. Anxious to change the subject and move away from her own private life, and thereby avoid the American’s potential attempts to try and gather some gossip to share with her fellow actors and actresses at Islington Studios*****, Lettice asks. “And what’s the next moving picture you will be making, Miss Ward? Another villainess role in a historical romance?”
“Oh, the studio is shutting for Christmas, so I’m sailing on the Aquitania****** on Monday, back to the States to visit my parents. I haven’t seen them in an age, and, well, they aren’t getting any younger. Besides, Islington Studios are paying for the journey and are organising for me to promote ‘After the Ball is Over’ at a few functions whilst I’m back home.”
“That will be lovely for you, Miss Ward.”
“Oh don’t worry, I’ll be back in the new year, when we start filming ‘Skating and Sinning’.”
“’Skating and Sinning’, Miss Ward?”
“Yes!” the American gushes as she picks up the coffee pot which she proffers to Lettice, who declines, and then proceeds to fill her own cup. “It’s the first picture planned for 1922. Another historical drama, set in London in the Seventeenth Century, when the Thames froze over.”
“Yes, 1607 I believe.”
“You’re a font of knowledge, Miss Chetwynd!” Miss Ward exclaims, clapping her ring decorated hands in delight. “You never cease to amaze me! A first-class interior designer and a historian!”
“Knowing trivial historical facts is just part and parcel of an education in a family as old as mine, Miss Ward.” Lettice deflects, taking another sip of her coffee. “And the sinning?”
“The sinning, Miss Chetwynd?” the American woman queries.
“Well, I assume the frozen Thames explains the skating part of the film’s title, Miss Ward.”
“Oh, the sinning!” Miss Ward settles back in her armchair with a knowing smile, placing her coffee cup on the black japanned table between the two Chinese chairs. “Well, that’s me, darling!” She raises both her arms dramatically, the Spanish shawl gathering about her shoulders as she does. “I will be playing a merry young, recently widowed, Duchess, with her eyes on our heroine’s young betrothed!”
“And do you succeed, Miss Ward?”
“Ah-ah! That,” She wags her finger playfully at Lettice. “Would be telling, darling girl. I can’t go giving away the ending, or you won’t come see the film.”
Lettice smiles at the actress. “Well, I’m glad that London has entranced you enough to return from the delights of America.”
“Well of course it has! And anyway, I have to come back to enjoy and show off my beautiful new home!”
Lettice blushes at the compliment.
“I’ll have you know Miss Chetwynd, that at my cocktail party, I had so many compliments about this beautiful room, the furnishings and the décor. You’ll be hearing from directors and future starlets in the new year, I’ll guarantee!”
“I shall have to see whether I can accommodate them, Miss Ward.” Lettice replies. “As you know, I will be decorating some of the principal rooms of Mr. and Mrs. Channon’s country house in the new year, and I have a few other potential commissions currently under negotiation.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be able to squeeze them in, darling! When the moving pictures come knocking, you just won’t be able to say no.”
“Well…” Lettice begins, imagining her mother’s face drained of colour, and her father’s flushed with anger, if she takes on another commission from a moving picture actress.
“Oh, and thinking of my flat. The other reason why I asked you here.” Miss Ward interrupts, standing up and walking over to the console table beneath her portrait, where some papers sit beneath the base of one of the Murano glass bottles. She fumbles through them and withdraws a small slip of paper. Walking over to Lettice she hands it to her. “A cheque to settle my bill before I set sail for home, darling girl.”
“Thank you, Miss Ward.” Lettice replies, opening her lemon yellow handbag sitting between her and her black and yellow straw hat on the settee and depositing the cheque safely inside. “I appreciate your prompt payment.”
“It’s my pleasure, Miss Chetwynd.” the American replies. “And thank you again for all that you have done.” Her glittering eyes flit about the room. “I just love being here! It’s so perfect! It’s so, so me! A mixture of the old, and the new, the oriental and the European, all of which I love.”
“I’m so pleased you approve, Miss Ward. It is your home, after all.”
“I even have to concede that you were right about having touches of white in here. It adds a touch of class. And that wonderful wallpaper you suggested,” She indicates to the walls. “Well, it is the pièce de résistance of this room’s décor!” Stepping over to the fireplace, she picks up the small white vase. “This puzzles me though.” Her face crumples. “Why were you so anxious that I keep this vase?”
“Well, “ Lettice explains. “Call me sentimental, but I felt that it is part of your home’s story and coming from an old family home surrounded by history, I thought it would be a shame to see it just tossed away. I hope you don’t disagree.”
Miss Ward considers the small Parian vase in her manicured hands for a moment before replacing it. “Not at all, you sentimental girl you!”
The pair smile at one another, happily.
*Now known as the Corinthia Hotel, the Metropole Hotel is located at the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall Place in central London on a triangular site between the Thames Embankment and Trafalgar Square. Built in 1883 it functioned as an hotel between 1885 until World War I when, located so close to the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall, it was requisitioned by the government. It reopened after the war with a luxurious new interior and continued to operate until 1936 when the government requisitioned it again whilst they redeveloped buildings at Whitehall Gardens. They kept using it in the lead up to the Second World War. After the war it continued to be used by government departments until 2004. In 2007 it reopened as the luxurious Corinthia Hotel.
**Glynes is the grand Georgian family seat of the Chetwynds in Wiltshire, and the home of Lettice’s parents, the presiding Viscount and Countess of Wrexham and the heir, their eldest son Leslie.
***Born Lady Diana Manners, Diana Olivia Winifred Maud Cooper, Viscountess Norwich was an English aristocrat who was a famously glamorous social figure in London and Paris. As a young woman, she moved in a celebrated group of intellectuals known as the Coterie, most of whom were killed in the First World War. She married Duff Cooper in 1919. In her prime, she had the widespread reputation as the most beautiful young woman in England, and appeared in countless profiles, photographs and articles in newspapers and magazines. She was a film actress in the early 1920s and both she and her husband were very good friends with Edward VIII and were guests of his on a 1936 yacht cruise of the Adriatic which famously caused his affair with Wallis Simpson to become public knowledge.
****The ‘robe de style’ was introduced by French couturier Jeanne Lanvin around 1915. It consisted of a basque bodice with a broad neckline and an oval bouffant skirt supported by built in wire hoops. Reminiscent of the Spanish infanta-style dresses of the Seventeenth Century and the panniered robe à la française of the Eighteenth Century they were made of fabric in a solid colour, particularly a deep shade of robin’s egg blue which became known as Lanvin blue, and were ornamented with concentrated bursts of embroidery, ribbons or ornamental silk flowers.
*****Islington Studios, often known as Gainsborough Studios, were a British film studio located on the south bank of the Regent's Canal, in Poole Street, Hoxton in Shoreditch, London which began operation in 1919. By 1920 they had a two stage studio. It is here that Alfred Hitchcock made his entrée into films.
******The RMS Aquitania was a British ocean liner of the Cunard Line in service from 1914 to 1950. She was designed by Leonard Peskett and built by John Brown and Company in Clydebank, Scotland. She was launched on the 21st of April 1913 and sailed on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York on the 30th of May 1914. Like her sister ships the ill fated Lusitania and the renown Mauritania, she was beautifully appointed and was a luxurious way for first and second-class passengers to travel across the Atlantic between Britain and America.
This upper-class 1920s Art Deco drawing room scene may be different to how it may appear, for the whole scene is made up entirely with pieces from my 1:12 miniatures collection, including pieces I have had since I was a teenager and others that I have collected on my travels around the world.
Fun things to look for in this tableau include:
The cherry blossom patterned tea set, which if you look closely at the blossoms, you will see they have gilt centres, I acquired from an online stockist on E-Bay. It stands on a silver tray that is part of tea set that comes from Smallskale Miniatures in England. To see the whole set, please click on this link: www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/51111056404/in/photost.... The wonderful selection of biscuits on offer were made by Beautifully Handmade Miniatures in Kettering.
The wooden Chinese dragon chairs and their matching low table ,that serves as Wanetta’s tea table, I found in a little shop in Singapore whilst I was holiday there. They are beautifully carved from cherrywood.
The Queen Anne settee made by the high-end miniature furniture maker, JBM with great attention to detail.
The black japanned cocktail cabinet with its gilded handles was made by the high-end miniature furniture maker, Bespaq.
All the glass comport on the mantlepiece has been blown and decorated and tinted by hand by Beautifully Handmade Miniatures in Kettering. The white and gold Georgian Revival clock next to it is a 1:12 artisan miniature made by Hall’s Miniature Clocks, supplied through Doreen Jeffries Small Wonders Miniatures in England. The ginger jar to the right of the clock is hand painted. It is an item that I bought from a high street doll house stockist when I was a teenager.
The yellow celadon vase with gold bamboo painted on it, I bought as part of a job lot of small oriental vases from an auction many years ago. The soapstone lidded jar in the foreground came from the same auction house, but from a different job lot of oriental miniature pieces.
Lettice’s black straw hat with yellow trimming and a yellow rose, which sits on the settee is made by Mrs. Denton of Muffin Lodge. It is an artisan miniature made just like a real hat! 1:12 size miniature hats made to such exacting standards of quality and realism are often far more expensive than real hats are. When you think that it would sit comfortably on the tip of your index finger, yet it could cost in excess of $150.00 or £100.00, it is an extravagance. American artists seem to have the monopoly on this skill and some of the hats that I have seen or acquired over the years are remarkable. Lettice’s lemon yellow purse is also an artisan piece and is made of kid leather which is so soft. It is trimmed with very fine braid and the purse has a clasp made from a piece of earring. It come from Doreen Jeffries’ Small Wonders Miniatures in the United Kingdom. Lettice’s furled Art Deco umbrella is also a 1:12 artisan piece made of silk, acquired through an online stockist on E-Bay.
The vases of flowers on the mantle piece and side table are beautifully made by hand by the Doll House Emporium.
The stylised Art Deco fire screen is made using thinly laser cut wood, made by Pat’s Miniatures in England.
The black Bakelite and silver telephone is a 1:12 miniature of a model introduced around 1919. It is two centimetres wide and two centimetres high. The receiver can be removed from the cradle, and the curling chord does stretch out.
Wanetta’s paintings, including the yellow portrait, were made in America by Amber’s Miniatures.
The miniature Oriental rug on the floor was made by hand by Mackay and Gerrish in Sydney
The Georgian style fireplace I have had since I was a teenager and is made from moulded plaster.
The striking wallpaper is an art deco design that was very popular during the 1920s.
Urban Scenes and Scapes
"Usual Blurb" © by Wil Wardle. Please do not use this or any of my images without my permission.
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