I was very disappointed when on the 1st January 2001 (1. 1. 1), no new arches were unveiled hereabouts to welcome the new millennium.
Arches, if well designed, are simple, not over expensive, and long lasting. They are the perfect structure to commemorate important dates or events, as they always have been. From the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to the Marble Arch in London, they have always been the structure of choice to celebrate major events, whether they be very grand or very simple.
So, what did we get instead? Well, we got Norman Foster's wobbly Millennium bridge in London for a start. I can't think of much else.
This one (beautifully modelled by Billy) is the entrance to The Rest Garden where we go several times a day. It's a beautiful structure, simple yet inviting.
And this is another nearby arch, just over the road, which leads to the children's play garden (no dogs allowed). Even more simple, but it adds so much.
A few bricks, some cut stones, and a decent sized plaque, and you have a memorial that will last for centuries. What a shame that no-one thought to erect a few for the (now not so) new Millennium.
I like arches and have seen several in gardens where each leads via a path to a different section of the garden with different plants or a small fountain or a sundial, one I saw led to a small bricked area with seats and a small table.
ReplyDeleteI like other arches too, such as you have pictured here and would like to see more of them getting built.
They are wonderfully inviting, and as a monument are very cheap to build.
DeleteAnd take up no more real estate than the rest of the fences. Overhead,yes. But what a statement they can be for little funding.
DeleteMy brow is arched after reading this blogpost.
ReplyDeleteI just knew you would be.
DeletePerhaps you could build a new one? Although I am told that McDonald's are quite prolific with their arches.
ReplyDeleteI have 'fallen arches'; does that count?
DeleteSome of the fancier houses round about have impressive arches to frame their entrance gates. Arches are quite the thing indoors too, though they have no special meaning.
ReplyDeleteA good arch is pure one-up-manship. Something we should all aspire to.
DeleteA archway to the future
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteQueens Park in Brighton has a lovely arch built in 1830.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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I don't know Queens Park too well, one of our neighbours moved there recently and they love it.
DeleteArches make lovely entry ways. As you pass through, the message is, "You've arrived."
ReplyDeleteI think that too. They make a 'statement'.
DeleteI love arches too. They're a commom feature here. One of our inner door ways is arched.
ReplyDelete