Where's A Constable When You Need One?

If you google John Constable you will find an image of a painting called The Hay Wain. Well check this out.

Yesterday was our last full day with Malcolm and Delyth and as it was beautiful, again, we decided to visit Constable country. This region of England lies along the boundary between Suffolk and Essex. It is comprised of gently rolling fields and woodlands. It is a landscape painter's heaven. John Constable painted there in the first part of the19th century along the River Stour in villages such as Dedham and Flatford Mill where his father owned a mill.

 The Hay Wain was painted just in front of the mill which still stands today.







We had a great lunch in the Tiptree Tea House in Dedham.

 and then wandered past St Mary's Church there. Elderly folk enjoy the benches in the church yard.

The church was built the year that Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Can you remember that year? There is one of only 3 Constable religious paintings there. It was commissioned for 250 pounds to be donated to the church to gain favour with the man who issued pub licences. The licence was not issued and Constable was not paid for the painting. He finished it, but it is said the bottom half shows a lack of concern for its quality.

Notice the pink house. That colour is a favourite around this area and known as Suffolk Pink.

Then we went over to Flatford which is now National Trust and visited there. It was beautiful.

We finished off by watching a snail race. It was very exciting. We were glad that the racers were all safe and there were no accidents.

Off to Eastbourne on Wednesday.