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19 Sept 2013

Upstairs, downstairs; mostly downstairs.

It's been a privilege and a pleasure stewarding at Harewood House for the last couple of months. The practical experience has enhanced all the academic theory that has been absorbed during the past two years, bringing the texts alive and enabling a confident interaction with the visiting public and fellow employees.
    The positive ethos promoted by the house is evident in all the varied activities that take place. Today I was invited to a reception where many of the guests were ex-employees; a wonderful way of saying thank you for their contribution to the continuity of Harewood. I found the downstairs life more to my liking and was grateful to be allowed to concentrate my meeting and greeting skills in the fantastic 'time-warp' kitchen and its environs. I hope that I didn't let the HAMS side down - servitude doesn't come naturally to me!




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7 Sept 2013

Catholic Saints discovered covered in jewels!

Have seen lots of news websites circulating this story today and thought the photos were amazing!
According to news sites Paul Koudounaris (Art Historian) was hunting them down in secret vaults. They are said to be the remains of Catholic martyrs dug up from Roman catacombs; which were sent to churches to replace relics destroyed in Reformation.
 
In some cases it apparently took up to 5 years to complete the embellishment of the skeletons in gold and silver gems!