I’ve long been fascinated by architecture so I was delighted when Sylvia Brownlee approached me via my photographic blog and asked me if she could use one of my photos for a book she was in the process of researching and compiling on R W Sampson’s architecture. I agreed, and then to my delight, Sylvia invited me to take a whole series of photos for her book. It was a double pleasure for me, combining my love of architecture and my obsession with photography. It was fun to do and in the process I made a new local friend.

Below: Burnside in Bickwell Valley (1896) – Architect R W Sampson

(one of the photos I took for the book  ©)

Then on Friday 3rd April Sylvia launched her book in Blini’s (a favourite wine /cafe bar of mine in Sidmouth) and as the photographer, I was invited along to celebrate. I’m wearing dark specs in the picture that appeared in the Sidmouth Herald (our local newspaper) – not because I wanted to look mysterious (LOL!), but because I was suffering from the most awful allergic reaction and could barely open my eyes! Just my luck to be afflicted on the day we were being photographed for a newspaper! (The quality is poor because it was scanned from the newspaper).

Below: Marycourt, Sidmouth (1914) – Architect R W Sampson

(one of the photos I took for the book © )

Considered Sampson’s most outstanding house – a “mini” mansion with a handsome facade.

Sylvia’s book (A Sid Vale Association Publication) will be available to purchase at The Sid Vale Heritage Centre  (Sidmouth Museum) and Paragon Books, High Street, Sidmouth @ £4.99  -  it’s an interesting and informative read. Sylvia is also holding an exhibition at Kennaway House commencing August 15th to 31st, 2009.

The exhibition at Kennaway House will include:

An exhibition of Sampson’s paintings, and artifacts, including a glass paperweight from Mr and Mrs Kennet-Weare: “for the music room at Cotlands” – which was demolished to build Cotland flats.