Some more of my paintings
by Dr Nihal D Amerasekera
I have moved, hopefully, seamlessly from drawing portraits
to landscapes and now to famous buildings. I cannot imagine life without our
bricks and mortar. Buildings made of bricks and mortar have existed for over
6500 years and is believed to have been started in the Baluchistan region which
is now Pakistan. My drawings are from a selection which have caught my eye. I have loved these edifices ever since I first
saw them fifty years ago. I am certain you have visited them before, but if you
haven’t I do hope my paintings and descriptions will bring them closer to you.
They will continue to captivate and charm visitors for many years to come.
Lords Cricket Grounds
Lords cricket grounds is called the home of cricket and is
owned by the Marylebone Cricket Club. Established in 1814 it is named after
Thomas Lord. Playing in a Test at Lord's, still is widely regarded by many
cricketers as the pinnacle of their careers. It also houses the world’s oldest
sports museum.
The main gate called the Grace gate was installed in 1923 in
memory of W.G Grace.
The current pavilion was opened in 1890 after the original
pavilion was destroyed by fire. Until 1999 no women were allowed into the
pavilion except Queen Elizabeth II. The pavilion still has a strict dress code.
The honours boards and the long room are steeped in history and hold cult
status for cricketers and cricket enthusiasts. It gives me great pride to see
photos of Sri Lankan cricketers adorn the Long Room. As a former president of
the MCC the photo of Kumar Sangakkara takes pride of place.
The first University Match between Oxford and Cambridge was
held at Lord's in 1827 This is famously called the “Varsity” match. It has been
one of my greatest privileges, over several years, to be a spectator at the varsity matches seated
in the splendid pavilion. I have been a regular visitor to cricket at Lords
since my arrival in England 50 years ago. Personally, on a summers day there is
no better place on earth to be, than the pavilion at Lords, watching the game I
love. Now that I am retired and live
near the cricket grounds, I have the privilege to attend as many matches as I wish.
St Paul’s Cathedral London
It is the most famous Anglican Cathedral in the world. There
has been a church at this site since AD 603. The original church was destroyed
by the Great Fire of London in 1666. The present Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher
Wren and completed in 1710. Its famous dome is one of the most recognisable
sights in London.
The Cathedral is a working church and over the centuries has
held Royal weddings and celebrated jubilees. Funerals of prominent people too
have been held in the church. Venture down to the crypt and discover the tombs
and memorials of some of the nation’s greatest heroes, such as Admiral Lord
Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren.
St Paul’s is home to a spectacular array of art including
the gilded dome murals. “Light of the world” painting by William Holman Hunt
and “Mother and Child” sculpture by Henry Moore are stunningly beautiful. It is
well worth a visit. Particularly for Christians, churches of this calibre have
a certain aura and ambience that brings them closer to their maker. I must
confess I too have been greatly moved by its reverence and piety.
Painting the cathedral is a massive challenge. Drawing the
dome with its intricate lines and curves and to maintain the image in 3D is
difficult in the extreme. This painting is indeed a labour of love. Trying to
capture the outline of St Paul’s Cathedral has given me tremendous
pleasure. When I look at the final
product I do see its many deficiencies and how I could improve it. But I have
reached the end of my ability. I hope I have done sufficient justice to one of
the most iconic and magnificent buildings of the world.
The iconic Tower of London
It is more than a thousand years old
and is steeped in history. The Tower started its life as a castle. During its
lifetime it has also been a place of incarceration and suffering with stories
of torture and beheadings. Presently it is a tourist attraction housing a
famous museum.
The Tower has provided refuge to ravens since the earliest
times. King Charles II (1630- 1685)
decreed that the ravens be protected as he believed in the legend that if they
left the Tower, the Kingdom and the Tower will fall. The ravens are still seen
merrily flying around the Tower and perching on the turrets. They are most lovingly fed and cared for by
the guards.
The dazzling display of the historic Crown Jewels at the
exhibition remains one of the main attractions in the Tower. The Crown Jewels are
the British monarch’s crown containing the Kohinoor diamond which is displayed
with all its glory. The Crown as expected has intense security.
The Chapel of St John the Evangelist in the Tower was built
as a place of worship for William the Conqueror, but it was not completed until
after his death. This is an Anglo-Norman church and is an architectural gem.
The imposing columns, high gallery and the wide aisle for processions are most
impressive.
The Tower of London is a must visit on a tour of London.
