The music of the Gods

 

There are a couple of ladies sitting on the right and left top corners of the mausoleum These do not appear to be angels. This lady is clearly a musician playing an instrument of the Gods, a lyre. Here is link to a discussion of lyres as mausoleum art. I gather this statue symbolizes a harmonious spiritual connection with God.

I was curious about the bare nipple but when I googled it I was directed to some "dangerous sites." I'm sure the bare nipple signifies something but I'm not sure what and may never know. The meaning is hidden even if the nipple isn't.

Lion guarding the Fulford - Pixley Mausoleum

Fulford - Pixley Mausoleum 

As promised, a close-up of one of the two lions that have guarded the Fulford-Pixley mausoleum in London, Ontario, for more than a century. Link to First Post.

One of the finest mausoleums in Canada

Fulford - Pixley Mausoleum 

 I got a request for my photo of the Fulford - Pixley mausoleum in London. This call rekindled my interest in the mausoleum and I shot some new pictures of the incredible structure.

Annie Pixley was a popular stage actress of the 1870s who won international acclaim for her stage performances. After marrying fellow actor Robert Fulford she frequented the London area, spending many summers in Port Stanley south of London on the shore of Lake Erie. On occasion she performed at London's Grand Opera House (now the Grand Theatre). 

Tragedy struck in July, 1886 when Annie’s 12 year old son Thomas died of what was known as "brain fever". He was buried at Woodland Cemetery. Tragedy would strike again Nov. 8th, 1893, when Annie died while visiting relatives in England. 

In memory of his wife and son, Robert Fulford built the Fulford - Pixley Mausoleum. It was completed in 1897. Today it is a popular attraction to visitors in London. It is considered to be among the finest funerary monuments in Canada.

No masks. Are these two sisters?

Most, but not all, folk at the park were not wearing their masks. It did appear that people were clumped together in what may well have been family units. A dad, a mom and some kids. The groupings kept to themselves while keeping distant from other small groups.

These two girls, with their smart phone, were clearly sitting too close together -- unless, of course, they were both members of the same family. Possibly they were sisters. I certainly hope so.

Long lens visually bunches crowd

The effect is known as foreshortening, perspective compression or forced perspective . It makes objects in the distance look closer to other objects in the distance than they actually were. In other words, the folk crowding the sidewalk in Springbank Park Sunday were not breaking all the social distancing rules despite what the photo shows. But the park was packed with thousands of Londoners eager to get out and about thanks to the warm spring temperatures.

Spring is definitely here!

The snow has melted. The breezes are warm. We have sunshine into the early evening. Spring beckons and Londoners are responding by heading for the city's many parks--often blue masks in hand.

Is this a turret?

What is the cone-shaped roof above the porch of this Victorian home called? I'm not an expert when it comes to architecture. I think it may be a turret. This home appears to have been built in a somewhat simplified Queen Anne Victorian style. This would explain the very simple turret.