Whilst using the freedom of life in the Upper Sixth to go home at the weekend, I discovered something intriguing and incredibly interesting about my family. My mother calls it a serious family hoarding problem that has most definitely been passed down from generations of my father’s side of the family but I call it History of Art! It does mean, however, that through all the dust covered antique book shelves and useless knick knacks there are some genuinely interesting items. Through some old boxes I saw a couple of rather tattered old pieces of paper. As I opened them I saw the designs of Florentine basilicas, Venetian Palaces, French architecture and other statue related draws. I had found the pamphlets of designs brought by my ancestors during the Grand tour. Pursuing my search further, I found a photo album filled with early photographs of some of Italy’s most iconic destinations and buildings. The leaning tower of Pisa wobbled next to a bunch of stern looking Victorians whilst Notre Dame looked down imposingly above the ant sized figures standing below. This rare find helped my understand the excitement and interest that those lucky enough to go travelling a hundred or two hundred years ago experienced.
Emily – Upper VI History of Art Prefect
