We set off in two minibuses before 9 am this morning for Cockermouth to visit the Wordsworth House in Cockermouth - about an hour's drive across the fells. It was a cool, sunny day with clear skies and good views.
Wordsworth House is the one in which both Dorothy and William were born. It has changed tenants and owners many times. In 1937 locals bought the house to prevent it being demolished. In 1979 it was taken over by the National Trust and furnished in the way it most likely was in the Wordsworths' time.
The detail extends to the food on the table each day, including an extraordinary pasty made by Ivan Day, a local historian specialising in early English food.
One of the volunteers, Gwen, spoke to us about Dorothy Wordsworth.
Upstairs, another volunteer was playing the harpsicord, a reproduction based on one of the time of the Wordsworths. It had been cleaned the day before and was subsequently a little in need of tuning. The harpsicordist played Handel, Bach, Scarlatti - and Greensleeves. She also answered questions about musical instruments.
The house has a walled garden, now being planted.
Even the public toilet is used for teaching purposes. This sign was on the back of the booth in the Women's toilet.
We came back to Windermere at two different times. I came with the earlier group because I wanted to do more work on my embroidery.
It was very peaceful - working quietly at individual pace without tutors. I managed to almost finish the upright panel of the harp - only the veins to add to the gold leaf at the bottom. I also managed to iron my cardboard frames to the fabric, ready for construction. Jenny has offered to go over the instructions in free time on Friday.
Tomorrow we move on to the other project and tutor.
I feel very comfortable with where I got on this project, and with my understanding of the remaining processes and work - much more so than I did last year. I have learned the questions I need to ask about goldwork!
So pleased she did.
Tonight few of us are stitching. It has been an intense day. We are retired for the night or are sitting chatting in the lounge. Lots of sharing and laughter.
What a wonderful variety of spring weather you're having! Your work on the harp is beautiful. I hope you'll post it in your blog when you're finished. I'm excited to see your next post with Nicola's project.
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