Anthemion

When I was being taught about the history of art and architecture I learnt to to distinguish anthemion and palmette ornament on the basis that the former was derived from the honeysuckle flower and the latter from palm leaves. Today, it seems, that distinction no longer applies and the two types of Egyptian, classical and renaissance ornament are grouped as variations of a single form. That is an unusual trend: usually finer classifications prevail over a reduction in types. The anthemion design in today's photograph is part of the cast iron railings that formed part of the perimeter of Gloucester Docks and is presumably of the late Georgian or, more likely, Victorian period.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100

Old Wye Bridge, Chepstow

The River Wye, at 134 miles, is Britain's fifth longest river. Between its source on Plynlimon in mid-Wales, to its confluence with the River Severn near Chepstow, it is bridged at 55 points. Three of these bridges are Grade 1 Listed, including the Old Wye Bridge near Chepstow Castle. This elegant work in cast iron on stone piers dates from 1814-16 and is the work of John Rastrick of Bridgnorth who modified original designs by John Rennie. It forms one of the road links between England and Wales bridging the Wye where the tidal range is one of the highest in the world.


photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Bigsweir bridge

The bridge over the River Wye forms the connection at that point between England and Wales. It was built in 1826-9 to a design by Charles Hollis of London and constructed of cast iron and sandstone, the casting having been done at Merthyr Tydfil. The main span is 55 yards (50m). For today's traffic it is a single track bridge, the crossings being controlled by lights. It was originally a toll bridge and the toll house can just be seen on the Welsh side (left in the photograph).

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10