Dash to Sicily January Advice hel....
Jan 7th, 2017, 02:49 AM
#61
Sorry bilbo, Stations and post offices are not my thing [though I seem to remember that the one in Vienna is very fine] - I got to see enough stations when I was working in London; I was an expert on where to stand on the platform to get on the most convenient carriage!
Perhaps I should pay more attention.
Perhaps I should pay more attention.
Jan 7th, 2017, 03:57 AM
#62
Well Porto's is all tiled with ancient blue tiles while Haarlem is like a mahogany lounge in a cruise liner. London ones (especially the southern and western ones) are a bit disappointing but St Pancras and KingsX are wonderful works. Milan is like something out of Metropolis. Then Bordeaux station and Windsor station are impressive in their own way.
Jan 7th, 2017, 09:08 AM
#63
thanks for that, bilbo. I know about st P of course, and I'm sure I've been to Milan but I don't remember it.
BTW, as you are interested in architectural detail, next time you are passing Temple Bar drop into LLoyds Bank at 222 Strand - there are some wonderful victorian tiles in the foyer and if you look inside, despite the "modernisation" of the building, much of the old wood carving still exits.
BTW, as you are interested in architectural detail, next time you are passing Temple Bar drop into LLoyds Bank at 222 Strand - there are some wonderful victorian tiles in the foyer and if you look inside, despite the "modernisation" of the building, much of the old wood carving still exits.
Jan 7th, 2017, 09:44 AM
#64
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In many places, including New York City, the Post Office was an important symbol of the modern city, paid for with public funds. It was quite an achievement to have a great and glorious post office. It testified to the importance of the city as a central aspiration of the nation. Even in London the postal tower was an iconic symbol of modernity until it was superseded by other, taller buildings.
Also the post office, like the train station, often replaced the church as a kind of central gathering space that was free to enter, unlike theaters and such. And it was some place a visitor was sure to see, along with the train station, since a visitor would want to post letters home. So it was important that it was a very beautiful building, with modern features (like electric lighting, or an elevator).
Sadly, many post office interiors were later chopped up, and their precious furnishings sold (sometimes to museums). But of the ones that remain intact, they are important windows to the development of the city in the 20th century.
Also the post office, like the train station, often replaced the church as a kind of central gathering space that was free to enter, unlike theaters and such. And it was some place a visitor was sure to see, along with the train station, since a visitor would want to post letters home. So it was important that it was a very beautiful building, with modern features (like electric lighting, or an elevator).
Sadly, many post office interiors were later chopped up, and their precious furnishings sold (sometimes to museums). But of the ones that remain intact, they are important windows to the development of the city in the 20th century.
Jan 20th, 2017, 08:50 AM
#66
