Becky Wallower
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bwallower.bsky.social
Becky Wallower
@bwallower.bsky.social
1.3K followers 550 following 1.4K posts
archaeology, history, environment, quirky stuff -- love London, arts, travel -- writer, organiser, modest activist/stirrer 🏺
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bwallower.bsky.social
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/26/m...
Mexico's Maya Train expansion raises alarm over ecological and archaeological harm
Authorities plan to extend the $28bn rail project and relocate Maya structures
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:52 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/26/a...
AI helps to reconstruct Cimabue basilica masterpiece shattered by earthquakes
Assisi fresco celebrated by Giorgia Meloni was reduced to tiny fragments in 1997
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:46 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#BridgesThursday
Back this year for nth time to the Ponte della Maddalena, aka Ponte del Diavolo, the bridge over the Serchio nr Lucca, on Via Francigena pilgrimage route.

Arch for railway only real change since c. 1100.
It was looking especially stunning w spring snow still on peaks beyond./1
Stone built bridge across broad river Serchio in Tuscany. Main arch very high and broad, three smaller arches to right of this and one to left, with a railway track going through it. Under a bright blue sky, a full, delicate reflection is seen in the aqua/green river, some houses on hill to the left, and a glimpse of snow on peaks in the distant horizon under a few clouds.
December 26, 2025 at 11:56 AM
bwallower.bsky.social
Perfect Christmas bird - tunefully owning the day.
worldwildlife.bsky.social Wildlife @worldwildlife.bsky.social · 1d
Merry Christmas 🎄
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula): The "Robin Redbreast" was given its nickname long before a distinction was made in the English language between "Red" & "Orange". Superb photo taken by Martina Olivia of this fluffy Robin taken in the UK.
December 25, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#Woodensday #AdventAngels
Archangel Gabriel, your work is done.

Rare and wonderful Angel of the Annunciation: oak, gilded and polychromed, 1415-1450 Northern France.
Sweetly smiling in earlier style of sculptures eg at Reims, points up to God or Holy Spirit, probably held scroll in left hand.
V&A
Perfect description from V&A: The Angel of the Annunciation, oak, gilded and polychromed [92cm high]. The archangel Gabriel rests on his right knee with his left foot placed in front of his body; the right forearm is raised with the hand pointing upwards and the left arm is bent at the elbow in a right-angle. The head is slightly raised, the hair falls in ringlets and the angel wears a beaded headband with a gilded jewel above the centre of the forehead. He is clothed in the vestments of a priest, which retains much of the polychromy and gilding.
December 24, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
antiquaries.bsky.social
The Brooke Antiphonal is a 15th-century choirbook containing choral parts of masses for Saints Cosmas and Damian, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was apparently written for a Benedictine community (possibly of nuns) with a cult of SS Cosmas and Damian.
A page from the choirbook showing the tune for the mass with a small nativity scene.
December 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
bwallower.bsky.social
#Woodensday #AdventAngels
Archangel Gabriel, your work is done.

Rare and wonderful Angel of the Annunciation: oak, gilded and polychromed, 1415-1450 Northern France.
Sweetly smiling in earlier style of sculptures eg at Reims, points up to God or Holy Spirit, probably held scroll in left hand.
V&A
Perfect description from V&A: The Angel of the Annunciation, oak, gilded and polychromed [92cm high]. The archangel Gabriel rests on his right knee with his left foot placed in front of his body; the right forearm is raised with the hand pointing upwards and the left arm is bent at the elbow in a right-angle. The head is slightly raised, the hair falls in ringlets and the angel wears a beaded headband with a gilded jewel above the centre of the forehead. He is clothed in the vestments of a priest, which retains much of the polychromy and gilding.
December 24, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#TympanumTuesday #TilesOnTuesday #AdventAngels
3 in 1 for festive season.
At Cattedrale di San Zeno in Pistoia, Tuscany, Andrea della Robbia's remarkably small entrance makes a big impression: 1504 archivolt + portal features Virgin+child w host of angels in façade that was reconstructed 14-15th C.
Round vaulted entry portal to the cathedral has ceramic panel by Della Robia inset in radiating tiles. Panel has Virgin and child with two angels either side and two above, with a band of cherubs as a border, all with characteristic white figures on bright mid-blue background. In the vault above is a pattern of square darker blue tiles with gold flowers in relief, with pairs of small blue tiles with white leaves in relief between them. At the bottom of the image is a carved white marble architrave over the doorway.
December 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM
bwallower.bsky.social
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/22/w...
We are all in the gutter but Banksy’s Christmas kids are looking at the stars
The same work has appeared in west London and under the Centre Point tower in the city centre
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:40 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/23/s...
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art returns three sculptures to Cambodia
Researchers at the museum concluded that the three artefacts were removed from Cambodia during the civil war of the 1960s and 70s
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#TympanumTuesday #TilesOnTuesday #AdventAngels
3 in 1 for festive season.
At Cattedrale di San Zeno in Pistoia, Tuscany, Andrea della Robbia's remarkably small entrance makes a big impression: 1504 archivolt + portal features Virgin+child w host of angels in façade that was reconstructed 14-15th C.
Round vaulted entry portal to the cathedral has ceramic panel by Della Robia inset in radiating tiles. Panel has Virgin and child with two angels either side and two above, with a band of cherubs as a border, all with characteristic white figures on bright mid-blue background. In the vault above is a pattern of square darker blue tiles with gold flowers in relief, with pairs of small blue tiles with white leaves in relief between them. At the bottom of the image is a carved white marble architrave over the doorway.
December 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#MosaicMonday
A festive offering, trodden on by thousands at top of main stairs @NationalGallery.
One of dozens of quirky creations of 1920s+1950s by mosaicist Boris Anrep, a Russian w studio in Paris and associated with Bloomsbury Group.
In his 'Pleasures of Life' group, may it bring joy to all!
Mosaic of Christmas pudding on a dish with flames shooting up the side and holly on top. Sitting on a white surface. In a circular border in hellow wiht green bits and the words CHRISTMAS PUDDING. On a mainly dark red background iwth green/grey leaves.
December 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#MosaicMonday
A festive offering, trodden on by thousands at top of main stairs @NationalGallery.
One of dozens of quirky creations of 1920s+1950s by mosaicist Boris Anrep, a Russian w studio in Paris and associated with Bloomsbury Group.
In his 'Pleasures of Life' group, may it bring joy to all!
Mosaic of Christmas pudding on a dish with flames shooting up the side and holly on top. Sitting on a white surface. In a circular border in hellow wiht green bits and the words CHRISTMAS PUDDING. On a mainly dark red background iwth green/grey leaves.
December 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#StainedGlassSunday
#AdventAngels in 1905 memorial to John Harvard in Southwark Cathedral: Baptism of Christ by La Farge.
Harvard baptised 1607 in what is now cathedral + went to local grammar school.
Sailed to Massachusetts 1637. Died 1638: his library/bequest became foundation of @harvard.edu.
Lower three panels of stained glass window with intensely coloured panels: Christ being baptised in centre with angels in outer panels. Part of window above altar in Harvard Chapel in Southwark Cathedral: three windows above have Royal coat of arms in centre with Harvard seal of Veritas on left and Emmanuel coat of arms on right signifying Cambridge college where Harvard studied. It's the only example of work by American artist John La Farge in England. He is widely regarded as the creative inventor of opalescent glass for church windows.
December 21, 2025 at 6:12 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#StainedGlassSunday
#AdventAngels in 1905 memorial to John Harvard in Southwark Cathedral: Baptism of Christ by La Farge.
Harvard baptised 1607 in what is now cathedral + went to local grammar school.
Sailed to Massachusetts 1637. Died 1638: his library/bequest became foundation of @harvard.edu.
Lower three panels of stained glass window with intensely coloured panels: Christ being baptised in centre with angels in outer panels. Part of window above altar in Harvard Chapel in Southwark Cathedral: three windows above have Royal coat of arms in centre with Harvard seal of Veritas on left and Emmanuel coat of arms on right signifying Cambridge college where Harvard studied. It's the only example of work by American artist John La Farge in England. He is widely regarded as the creative inventor of opalescent glass for church windows.
December 21, 2025 at 6:12 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
Hello @pugliaguys.bsky.social - by fantastic seasonal good fortune, one of the greengrocers in London's famed #BoroughMarket had cime di rapa this morning, looking very fresh.
So orecchiette at the ready for a pre- #Christmas treat. I've used your recipe before - any special twists for holidays?
December 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#SteepleSaturday
Few Romanesque churches have bell towers w passage beneath as in Trani's Cathedral of St Nicholas the Pilgrim, who died in Trani 1094.
Church built on Adriatic shore (over 4th C church) soon afterwards to house his relics. Tower added 13th C w windows multiplying towards top.
Church of white tuff against bright/deep blue sky, with extensive stone paved square in front. Facade has a set up steps up to an entrance level, with arcaded feature with main door and four arches either side. Simple style frontage with three round arched windows high up, and large round rose window at top. Very high tower to right extends much higher with a huge, tall arcaded passageway c half as high as the church. On top of that are five storeys and a spire with a walkway around it. The storeys have 2, 2, 3, 4 and 5 windows.
December 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/a...
Metropolitan Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and US collector return dozens of antiquities to Turkey
The repatriations are linked to long-running investigations into looting at Bubon and other archaeological sites, as prosecutors in New York step up pressure on museums and collectors
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:45 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#SteepleSaturday
Few Romanesque churches have bell towers w passage beneath as in Trani's Cathedral of St Nicholas the Pilgrim, who died in Trani 1094.
Church built on Adriatic shore (over 4th C church) soon afterwards to house his relics. Tower added 13th C w windows multiplying towards top.
Church of white tuff against bright/deep blue sky, with extensive stone paved square in front. Facade has a set up steps up to an entrance level, with arcaded feature with main door and four arches either side. Simple style frontage with three round arched windows high up, and large round rose window at top. Very high tower to right extends much higher with a huge, tall arcaded passageway c half as high as the church. On top of that are five storeys and a spire with a walkway around it. The storeys have 2, 2, 3, 4 and 5 windows.
December 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#FindsFriday #FishOnFriday 🏺
Very fine, and refined, Laconian Kylikes (bowls) by “Painter of the Taranto Fish”, demonstrating close links between Taranto and Sparta.
Dolphins + tuna fish w central rosette, birds on outside.
From tomb in central Taranto, 580-570 BC.
MArTA: Taranto Nat Archaeo Museum
Three bowls with handles. Each has a different fish design with a central rosette and geometric features within, and birds and geometric designs on the outside. The finish is very elegant, with a cream background and black and dark brown figures.
December 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#FindsFriday #FishOnFriday 🏺
Very fine, and refined, Laconian Kylikes (bowls) by “Painter of the Taranto Fish”, demonstrating close links between Taranto and Sparta.
Dolphins + tuna fish w central rosette, birds on outside.
From tomb in central Taranto, 580-570 BC.
MArTA: Taranto Nat Archaeo Museum
Three bowls with handles. Each has a different fish design with a central rosette and geometric features within, and birds and geometric designs on the outside. The finish is very elegant, with a cream background and black and dark brown figures.
December 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
Reposting to celebrate #AdventAngels, and because it's a lovely drawing from Ian Beck.
ianarchie.bsky.social ianarchie.bsky.social @ianarchie.bsky.social · 7d
A Christmas Greeting to my followers here and to a better New Year: card originally published from by Merivale Editions from. my line drawing ink on paper
December 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Reposted by Becky Wallower
bwallower.bsky.social
#AdoorableThursday
Such a damp, dreary December day could really do with an Art Deco boost.
So here are the fabulous dining room doors of Eltham Palace, featuring exotic animals painted from life at London Zoo.
Part of the Courtaulds' makeover of a Tudor royal home, quite brilliantly executed.
Shiny pair of black lacquered doors with silver geometric Greek key pattern setting out six images of exotic animals in a deep gold colour: eg peacock, lizard, anteater. The Courtaulds were clearly drawn to the exotic - they kept a lemur called Mah-Jong as a pet at Eltham Palace.
December 18, 2025 at 12:19 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/t...
Construction of Trump’s White House ballroom continues despite heritage body’s lawsuit
A federal judge has rejected attempt by National Trust for Historic Preservation to temporarily halt president’s pet construction project
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:14 PM
bwallower.bsky.social
#AdoorableThursday
Such a damp, dreary December day could really do with an Art Deco boost.
So here are the fabulous dining room doors of Eltham Palace, featuring exotic animals painted from life at London Zoo.
Part of the Courtaulds' makeover of a Tudor royal home, quite brilliantly executed.
Shiny pair of black lacquered doors with silver geometric Greek key pattern setting out six images of exotic animals in a deep gold colour: eg peacock, lizard, anteater. The Courtaulds were clearly drawn to the exotic - they kept a lemur called Mah-Jong as a pet at Eltham Palace.
December 18, 2025 at 12:19 PM