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Ikebana International SF Chapter Flower Show

Irene with Her Bamboo Arangement

Calla Lilly Arrangement

(click on image for larger view)

“A friend took this picture of me at the Ikebana Show today. My Brother made the stand for this structure and the metal holder that holds my vase at the top of three of the bamboo pieces. The bamboo came from Mom’s backyard, note the wonderful crookedness at the bottom of the pieces. It is decorated with passion flower vine, jasmine, protea, and Queen’s Tears. It was getting a lot of interest which made me happy.”

“We ended up having a very good show with lots of interest. Over 1,500. people attended. Our publicity person did a tremendous job with spots on PBS about Ikebana and a large article in the Chronicle.”

Tags: de Young Museum, ikebana

Saturday, March 26th, 2011 Ikebana (includes video) No Comments

Painting by Albert Robbins

Worcester Cathedral

Albert Robbins was Uncle Rob’s first cousin twice removed. The painting shown here is of Worcester Cathedral and was completed in 1888. It measures about 12″ x 16″ and was accomplished in oils. Albert Robbins was a trained architect.

Third cousin Andrew Smith sends the following coments:

“The subject was chosen . . . because the de Bordes had been living in Worcester around 1850, when the photo of Joseph was taken and our gt granmothers were young.

He [gt uncle Bert] like my Gran was a first cousin of your gran Miriam, I imagine they would have known each other.

Gt uncle Bert was in Mexico lookin for work in 1909, I have an interesting collection of post cards from him, sent back to my Gran and great aunt Nell telling the story of this trip.

According to family notes written in 1990 by uncle Arnold (the 1900 baby), Gt uncle Bert who had been apprenticed with Rennie & Co ( where gt gt grandfather Joseph worked in the 1860’s ) Rennies were by this time Civil Engineers, Architects and Bridge Builders.

Uncle Bert found work in Mexico and would have stayed but for a revolution. He later went to South Africa, became the City of Durban’s chief engineer, putting in the City’s first Cold Store, first Shark Net and the Tramway System. Upon retirement he went to Natal, often staying at the National Park hotel, remaining unmarried he died around 1945 aged 90+.”

Tags: City of Durbans, Worcester Cathedral, de Borde

Saturday, February 12th, 2011 Painting by Albert Robbins 2 Comments

The Works of Joseph de Borde

Joseph de Board

Joseph de Borde was Uncle Rob’s Great Great Grandfather. Posted below are images of three pieces he accomplished approximately 150 years ago in England. They are outstanding examples of French Ormolu Art. The images were sent by a third cousin, Andrew Smith, who lives in St. Ives, Cornwall, England.

For the story of the de Bordes click here.

Saturday, January 1st, 2011 Works by Joseph de Borde No Comments