Carlisle to Preston in our hire car.
We had been asked to attend a training day,
'Getting to know you- Understanding our visitors and developing audiences'
this was being held at the Lancashire Conservation Centre, Preston.
The course was seemingly pitched at marketing managers & assistants and I thought it
would not be of practical use to me in my role at front of house.
However, I was interested and it may offer me some
tips that may benefit my online business.
The weather was overcast and brooding,
the traffic appeared fine.
We missed junction 31 ( Stewart is emphatic its no longer there) and so we arrived just as they were starting.
The Centre is in an inspiring and spectacular Grade II listed Victorian Church, (St. Mary's, 1836-1996) which to our surprise and delight held some wonderful original features. Which were sympathetically preserved within the renovation and strict controlled environments of
the now Conservation Centre.
Upon arrival in the car park I noticed two tree photo opportunities and I like how they turned out!
The Centre with the imposing Mill chimney over the road
(which we were told later is the busiest road in the red light area!)
This is the room we were in for the day with a partial view of some old windows...
an unknown hint of things to come!
We broke for lunch and adjourned to the top floor and found a sculptural relief of The Three Graces by Bertel Thorvaldson propped up in the luncheon room.
As well as several stained glass windows on view behind protective glass.
The Three Graces by Bertel Thorvaldson
(very fuzzy sorry)
some original features
We were taken on a tour of the centre. For me this was an unreserved pleasure. I saw textiles, costume, paintings, sculptures and wild animals being preserved and restored. It was as marvellous as it was an unexpected addition to the day.
The old window in the new kitchen
The old window in the new ladies loos
The early Victorian Church, soars Gothic like in the fading light as we left. Sorry about the angles ... I only had the phone camera with me again, is that David tutting?
Verity with a large object in the garden, Verity is on the right!
Does anyone know what it is? We don't! A stove perhaps?
Today's brooding sky hovered above us down the motorway...
