iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Ancient carving showing up gently in the western sun at #Lavenham Church

Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Brading, #IsleofWight, has one of the prettiest and cohesive churchyards anywhere: headstones are all of the lovely island stone. Inside are the famous recumbent Oglander tombs.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Joseph Wright of Derby depicts children with sympathy and affection: his exhibition at the National Gallery is a delight

Two young children watch a demonstration of an orrery , the little girl with her arm around a younger boy

Three little children wait while a horseshoe is made at the blacksmith’s - the younger girl peeps out from the elder’s apron

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Beautiful headstone Lida Cardozo Kindersley designed for my brother in Lavenham Cemetery

Slate headstone with lettering designed by Lida Lopes Cardozo Kindersley

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Doctors’ monuments at Holt in Norfolk

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

On #InternationalCatDay my favourite cat-themed artwork is Philip Wilson Steer's utterly delightful 'Hydrangeas' featuring a woman playing with a black cat with a white bib, from #TheFitzwilliamMuseum, Cambridge.

Philip Wilson Steers painting: Hydrangeas features a woman sitting on a loosely draped sofa dangling her necklace in front of a black and white cat with a pot of white hydrangeas to the left.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

The joy of glorious fan vaulting at #Peterborough Cathedral counteracts a rainy morning.

Fan vaulting at Peterborough Cathedral with blue light from the north windows

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Thank you Simon, I wondered if it was a memorial or a thanksgiving plaque: not entirely clear.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Beautiful example of opus sectile work in Cromer parish church. No mention in my edition of Pevsner but must be from the Powell workshop? @simoninsuffolk.bsky.social @johnevigar.bsky.social

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Looking through my grandfather’s papers, my brother and I found this very moving message from Montgomery to his troops. #VEDay

Personal message from Montgomery to his troops in May 1945

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

No better way of spending a sunny Wednesday in May than visiting 4 historic churches @johnevigar.bsky.social Unspoilt Bradwell would make a superb film location. #FriendsofEssexChurches

15th century panelled screen with Charles II coat of arms at Bradwell-juxta-Coggeshall

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

A good day to visit Carisbrooke Castle - panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and the mainland. What a magnificent fortification and delightful summer home for Princess Beatrice, long-suffering daughter of Queen Victoria.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

This beautiful tiny Van Gogh seems appropriate for the first signs of Spring today #VanGoghMuseum

A tiny painting by Vincent Van Gogh of a water glass holding a sprig of apple blossom

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Who knew that Vincent Van Gogh was a teaching assistant at a Ramsgate boarding school? View of 1876, Royal Road

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

Astonishing cotton floor cover (it’s enormous) c.1650 decorated with poppies at the Mughal Exhibition at the V&A. Also delicate miniatures, colourful glass and eye-popping diamonds.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

An unusual memorial of 1909 in the chancel at Dedham to James Hewitt, befriender of the poor. Would love to know more but could not see a signature. @johnevigar.bsky.social

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

The Fitzwilliam Museum shop was the birthplace of @artukdotorg.bsky.social - when Fred Hohler, disappointed at the lack of a paintings catalogue, decided to set up what was then The Public Foundation. What a magnificent resource we can now all freely enjoy. @andrewshore.bsky.social

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

Often wondered if this depicts the Margravine? She is on a wall near the tube line in Margravine Gardens, Barons Court, London.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Orchid Hunters of Brazil 1950 by Tirzah Garwood at her exhibition currently at Dulwich. Much to enjoy in a perfectly curated show: drawings, oils, collages and marble papers as well as gems by her husband, Eric Ravilious.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Your heart-warming blog reminded me of my visit to the Story Room at the Harris Tweed Authority in Stornoway where many of the beautiful hues come from heather dye. @jillwhitelock.bsky.social @donaldsmithgraphic.bsky.social

Examples of colourful Harris Tweed at the Story Room at the Harris Tweed Authority in Stornoway.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Yes, having read a biography of her son, I think Catherine, the Russian Countess of Pembroke was very influential in the design and decoration of Thomas Wyatt’s unusual parish church at Wilton. Here is the lovely portrait of her by Thomas Lawrence in the house.

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

After 900 years will Smithfield Meat Market really close? The level ground or 'smooth field' was an ideal location for building - both the market and St Bart's Hospital next door. 'Smithfield Spires' 1931 by Harold Steggles

Smithfield Spires 1931 by Harold Steggles

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

In Step with Pugin - Kent Staircase in #Ramsgate decorated with tiles designed by local students after a visit to Pugin's home, The Grange. #TilesonTuesday

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Elwin Hawthorne's painting of 'Almshouses, Mile End Road' 1934 at the East London Group exhibition at the Nunnery Gallery, Bow. Trinity House built the almshouses in 1695 for '28 decay'd Masters & Commanders of Ships or the Widows of such'. @eastlondongroup.bsky.social

Almshouses on Mile End Road, erected by Trinity House in 1695

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

A beautiful calm sea-view from the Isle of Wight to cheer you

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

The East London Group exhibition at the Nunnery Gallery opposite Bow Church is well worth a visit. Tranquil paintings by Walter Steggles and Elwin Hawthorne. Alan Waltham, who has done so much to publicise the group's work, is leading a walk this afternoon, see Bow Arts @eastlondongroup.bsky.social

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Highly skilled restoration of the Hogarth staircase (1736) at Bart's Hospital; William Hogarth gave his services completely free, as did James Gibbs the architect. Thank you Will Palin and @selwyn1882.bsky.social for a terrific tour. @drsoandsoresearch.bsky.social

Restoration work on Hogarth's Staircase at Bart's Hospital

Will Palin talking about the restoration of the Great Hall

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Julia Abel Smith @juliaabelsmith.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Joining @bsky.app is like attending a particularly joyful school/college reunion. Image: Fruit Bowl and Butterfly Kite, 1988, by Michael Rothenstein, The Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Walden

Fruit Bowl and Butterfly Kite by Michael Rothenstein at The Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Walden

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