A winter scene at Lower Yosemite Falls, as frigid water cuts through snow on New Years’ Day 2011.
Tag: California
Roman Pool Diving Platform, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
The diving platform and alcove in the Roman Pool. The staff told me that they ar allowed to use this one after hours, which seems like it must be a real kick.
Neptune Pool Temple, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
The temple elements that give the Neptune Pool its name.
Shells and Pebbles, Redondo Beach, Half Moon Bay, CA
Medieval Fencers Ceiling Painting, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California, 2013
Hearst Castle has the ‘largest collection of antique ceilings in North America,’ which is to say, every ceiling in the building is an original historical ceiling from elsewhere. This one depicts four medieval figures with weapons: sword-and-buckler, spear-and-shield, sword-and-shield, and another with sword-and-buckler.
Lampshade #2(b), Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
The other side of the manuscript lampshade pictured earlier.
Roman Pool, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
The less grand of the two pools at the castle is nevertheless stunning in both size and decoration, with blue tiles and gold highlights predominating.
Bayeux Tapestry Lampshades, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
These lampshades, painted with scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, were in one of the fine rooms reserves for single women visitors to the castle. Despite W. R. Hearst living extramaritally with his girlfriend, rather than his wife, there were apparently strict rules of decorum for other single female guests.
Manuscript Lampshade #3, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
Another lampshade, this one an indenture contract.
Lampshade #2, Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
I have been wanting to see these lampshades made from manuscripts for quite some time. On a recent visit to my parents in California, I finally had the chance to go down to San Simeon and tour Hearst Castle, including viewing the lampshades.