Apertures 3
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Apertures 2
Apertures
A selection of apertures in aeroplane structures, where interruption of surface continuity is kept at a minimum and so any variation in the surface becomes highly specialised – all the elements that cannot be contained by the main fuselage. I have been working on similar architectural surfaces and might post some soon. I have a few more of aeroplane examples so will post a few more soon. I especially enjoy the difference between the smooth aerodynamic exteriors and the folded and ribbed structures found inside.
Merman
Merman
Among the more earnest exhibits at the Booth museum there are also some curiosities such as this Merman. The label explains that it was from South East Asia and made from the body and teeth of a fish and the head of a monkey and collected around 1890. Apparently you can tell the gender by the number of nipples – Mermaids have more than two. As with spirit photography, I enjoy the use of the mechanisms used in scientific research and the museum to make ideas appear true.
Especially for Phoebe, scholar of mermaid and merman exhibits world wide.
Stressed Skins
More Dioramas From Los Angeles
A couple more views from the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. The strange effect on the polar bear comes from reflections in the glass front.
More from the Booth Museum
Here is a small selection of scenic elements from the Booth Museum in Brighton. The folded rock is a little crude but most of them are carefully made. The attendant mentioned that all the leaves were made of wax and the snow from crushed glass to get the sparkle. 
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Booth Museum
Brighton has a small Natural History Museum largely made up of Edward Booth’s collection (founded in 1874) which he gave to the city in 1890. I visited the museum as a child and enjoyed its untouched (and somewhat down at heel) ambience. As I mentioned a few posts back I have moved to Brighton and went to visit the museum today. I went with some trepidation, fearing that it had all been smartened up and over explained. Miraculously the museum is well kept in a state of almost suspended animation and is completely wonderful – still down at heel and slightly faded but with a wonderful collection of birds in small diorama boxes. They do not have pictorial backgrounds – just a sky blue – but they do have quite elaborate foregrounds. I will post some details of these in a day or so. There are hundreds of these boxes – small glass cases – with carefully observed worlds in them.
It is well worth a visit – I noticed on the website that it will be closed between 25th of February and 1st of March 2013.
Samurai in Stereo
Samurai
From the Ashmolean in Oxford
Map
Map
Map
Another exhibit from the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. I like this map a lot – it is described by the card shown above – because it concentrates on condition more than physical characteristics. It is also made so that it floats if dropped into the sea from the small fishing boats that used such maps. It is photographed through glass so there are a lot of reflections.
Nat Chard 