Changing Seasons...

Almost in blatant defiance of the relentless heat and glaring sunshine that have defined these summer months, the first signs of a change in season are making themselves visible. The bright green horsechestnuts that have grown imperceptibly over this period now boldly demand to be acknowledged, with their sizeable spiny hides soon ready to burst open on impact with city pavements or the head of a hapless passer-by...

Tree leaves that have been prematurely scorched and wizened by the summer heat, stand out against the intense blue skies and summer foliage with their brittle, brown forms.

And for those of us who care to look far above when wandering the city streets, these distinct forms are also to be found, beautifully replicated, in the often quirky mouldings and sculptures that grace the façades of many of the old art nouveau and art deco buildings.

Within flourishes of sculpted leaves, seeds, berries and fruit are concealed nesting birds, hoarding squirrels and strange greenmen which almost go unnoticed by our untrained modern-day eye that hardly expects to find such treasures residing in window alcoves and doorways. And yet here they are - a little touch of beauty, humour and hope dating back one hundred years to the interwar years, seasoned by time and the ever-changing seasons themselves...