Sunday 30 April 2017

Z = Zonked at the zenith

So here we are. 
April 30th.
The letter Z.
The conclusion of 25 mind-expanding visits to the Wellcome Collection and the
full-stop of 25 frightening peeks into the mind of Wendy of the Rock, who has been sucked up the wormhole that leads from Oz to Wonderland.

To salute having reached the zenith of the mountain, I thought I'd make this a sing-along post, and bring you a chirpy song of celebration. 
Do join in as you read.



There were so many other wonderful things I photographed but couldn't wangle into any of my pieces. 
Like these:


Inuit snow goggles
Scold's bridle














Acupuncture model

















My mate Sir Henry collected other such disparate and bizarre things as Napoleon's toothbrush and Florence Nightingale's moccasins. 
Seriously.
No matter how tenuous the link between the object and the world of medicine, or science, or to art that intersects and overlaps with those worlds, Sir Henry had both the desire and the wealth to add it to his collection. And today, the good people his amassed fortune continues to employ at the museum that bears his name keep his habits and dreams very much alive.


I can't leave without sharing these last fabulous objects displayed in the Reading Room.

There's a whole case full of these little rockstars, each about the height of a matchstick.

Shota Katsube, of the Souzou: Japanese Outsider Art school of thought, creates these way cool anime soldiers from twist-ties. 
You know, those things you use to stop your garbage from spilling out of the bag.

Yep, with the aid of a tiny pair of scissors and nail clippers, he whips up a new member for his army in around five minutes. 
Each one unique.
None copied from cartoons.

I have no idea how they connect to medicine, but I'm totally sure Sir Henry would have approved of them being on display at his place. 
He loved weird shit. 

So whether you've been with me for the whole oxygen-depleting scramble to the summit or merely called in at base camp to say hi, I thank you for your company. I would never have made it on my own.
Because, to use Dorothy Parker's immortal words: 
You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.

Me on the stairs at Wellcome. (Thanks for the pic, Jo)
I took the photo at the start of this post from the top of this staircase, and edited it in Snapseed.



During the month of April, I am participating in the Blogging from A–Z Challenge.


23 comments:

  1. This was terrific fun!
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No... thank YOU. I have looked forward to your witty responsed to my posts and it has been a real pleasure and a privilege to have you along for the A-Z ride.
      I'm glad SOMEBODY enjoyed it.

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  2. The acupuncture model is a little eerie looking but intersting. Love the twist tie anime soldiers. Recycled art can be so fun. WeekendsInMaine

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  3. I'm glad my photos caught your attention, Karen. Thanks for visiting.

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  4. Interesting connections and collections!

    And congrats, you did it!!

    Affirmations for a Good Life

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Beth... we made it. Every post on time. Thank you for supporting me along the way.

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  5. A very nice finale to all your wild and weird and wonderful images - I've discovered a lot of stuff I didn't know existed! Great meeting you for the AtoZ and we'll have to stay in touch. I'm really looking forward to not having to do a daily post anymore *phew*
    Leanne | cresting the hill

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    Replies
    1. Thanks... and double phew here... back to being able to post whatever and whenever I feel like it. I took part to get back into the habit of blogging more often, so I will have to give myself a stern talking to and get back on the bike. See you again.

      Delete
  6. What an absolutely delightful series Wendy - so much weird and laugh aloud goodness here! The challenge's pace kept me from visiting all your posts, but I guarantee I'll be back to catch up on the ones I missed. Congratulations on making it to the peak.

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    Replies
    1. Ditto, Deborah. And thank you so very much for your fun feedback and positive encouragement. You rock.

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  7. I definitely enjoyed the tour of the Wellcome Collection. I think they should present you an award! Very mind-expanding indeed! Love the Dorothy Parker "quote", Wendy!

    Shota Katsube's work is cute! How colorful they must look!

    Thank you! Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. That quote Is one of my absolute faves. She was such a sarcastic wit. Bless her. It's always a joy to have you visit, Vidya. Now let's get onto that project!

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  8. Well done Wendy! I have thoroughly enjoyed joining you on your trip through the alphabet courtesy of the Wellcome museum.
    I shall feel bereft during May now! :-(

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    Replies
    1. With your blogging tribe and all those text books I'm sure have more than enough to keep you occupied! It's always a delight to have you over. My first blog buddy, I will love you forever. And please know that I absolutely mean my offer to help edit/proof any of your assignments. Xx

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    2. Yoy. me and Mary-Anne will always have that special bond between us, which I do treasure.

      It looks like we will have a load of assignments due in all around Nov-January time (in the middle of placements too)!As soon as I have got the first placement out of the way which will be end of July, I will be able to start writing them and believe me, you will be sick of the sight of my essays to cast a beady eye over!!! I really appreciate your offer, Wendy, it means a lot to me and I will def take you up on it! xx

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  9. Well done Wendy!
    You have an entire alliterative essay going on here--Wellcome with Wendy:)
    Thank you for your posts and the view is indeed quite impressive from top of this mountain. Patting own and your back while typing this comment--this challenge has worked wonders with my ability to do stuff while typing.
    Z is for Zagreb and Zindagi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Back pats accepted and reciprocated. Thank you for your company and support during my whacky month. Much appreciated.

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  10. You did it! I had no doubt you would. I loved this series with its weirdness and your sense of humour and adventure. What's next for Wendy off the Rock? I can't wait.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, my friend. My aim was to get back into better writing habits to get my head in line... well... as much as is possible. So please poke me if I slip back into bad non-writing habits. Cyber hugs aplenty.

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  11. Had to laugh at the twist ties. We were talking last weekend about things people hoard and these were mentioned. I'll have to suggest a new hobby. Well done for finishing. Interesting that you didn't think there was as much interaction this year. I think that will come up a lot in reflection posts and the demise of The List 😉

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  12. I enjoyed listening to the immortal Mr. Robbins as I finished reading the post. What a clever use of the twist ties!....until you need one, then you'd play hell wouldn't you? I cackled out loud at Miss Dorothy's quote. Good way to start my day!

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    Replies
    1. I only seem to collect boring white twist ties. These glitzy ones are special, aren't they?
      Dorothy is a crack-up. I usenthat quip quite often.

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