Good Government: raising roof timbers In the Palazzo Pubblico, frescos show Good Government: town and countryside cherished and well looked after, men up on roofs fixing tiles, building, workmen taking pride in their craft. And Good Government reaches out into the countryside where orchard trees are pruned, fruit harvested, crops sown and harvested and borne into the city to feed its people. Today, on a sunny and blustery morning, that’s my vision of Kendal. Today, it’s all about civic harmony.
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On the opposite wall, Bad Government. The fabric of Siena falls into disrepair, there is strife and fear. It reminds me someone needs to walk the Brigsteer Road, out of town, and do a litter pick. Me, probably. Although there are other locals who take a turn. We clear up after the wanton wrecking and disregard. Up at Ghyll Brow mature trees have been felled, perfectly sound trees- simply to make space for housing. I’d place the theme of urban encroachment squarely in the portrait of Bad Government, wanton destruction. It’s the lazy, ill-considered option.
Closer to town, still along the Brigsteer Road, Russell Armer are building and restoring on a brown field site. Hurray for good sense! Today, roof timbers appear, in place in hours. And a 1900s house is being renovated. More of this kind of initiative please.
At Beast Banks, several mature beech were felled because of disease. Today, there is tree planting: English oaks, beech and whitebeam. More tree planting on Kendal Green. Hurray for tree-planting.
Right, now to collect that litter.
Closer to town, still along the Brigsteer Road, Russell Armer are building and restoring on a brown field site. Hurray for good sense! Today, roof timbers appear, in place in hours. And a 1900s house is being renovated. More of this kind of initiative please.
At Beast Banks, several mature beech were felled because of disease. Today, there is tree planting: English oaks, beech and whitebeam. More tree planting on Kendal Green. Hurray for tree-planting.
Right, now to collect that litter.
There was rain overnight and the fine branches of a tall birch twinkled and coloured as sunlight shot through them. The effect was transient, gone the moment the sun was hidden by cloud. Look obliquely at the birch and it was nothing extraordinary. The camera could not catch the experience, although if you look closely you can see the underside of the branch dazzled by sunlit raindrops. And amongst the dark catkins there are hints of white light.
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