This is the crossing tower. You can see several Gothic elements. Pointed lancet windows. Blind tracery - decorative carved patterns that imitate windows. Pinnacles & finials - the little spires & carved tips around the edges. These are decorative, but they also help visually emphasize verticality.

As much as I enjoy domestic painting & decorating, I increasingly feel more captivated & pulled towards historical architecture, restoration & the wonder of it all. I truly want to combine the two permanently.

This is the the main west portal. The dense lace-like carving running around the arch is especially fine craftsmanship - this sort of vegetal ornament was intended to make the stone appear almost alive. Notice the Colonettes - the slender shafts around the doorway that draw the eye upward.

The dark polished columns you can see here are made of Purbeck marble, a prized English limestone from Dorset. The heads around the arch are wonderful - many had apotropaic meaning, intended to ward off evil. Medieval builders often worked from geometric ratios, back in 1220!

Just wonderful.

Whilst in Salisbury I felt compelled to visit the cathedral. What an utterly beautiful masterpiece this is. I’m in awe of the detail. I bet it would not have looked as spectacular without the passage of time.

Here I’m applying Sikkens Satura. This is my go-to on exterior woodwork. I add a dollop of paint conditioner to the paint to reduce brush marks. Also I warm the paint slightly by using a slow cooker. This too helps with the flow of the product.

My world smells of fresh paint, minus the education. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

I see the radiant glow of conviction and confidence. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

The path not taken is one that facilitates me. Alas. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

To give them their credit, this is a decent drop of paint. Covers well & is durable. Paint names always amuse me…

Music to my ears! Brilliant. And more than welcome.

Troublesome areas of flaking paint is dealt with by applying Peel Stop from Zinnser. Remove all failing paint with a scraper and seal down the edges before filling.

Look how different materials can offset surrounding surfaces. This door is stunning & sits perfectly around the decorative features on the walls, ceiling & door header. Details like this require consideration & pure passion.

Love this!

I’d pay for you to cover the Eurovisions. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

“Speak” - Keith *is paying attention! @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

That made me smile. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

I often think back to this analogy he must of heard mentioned on the radio.. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Another good thing about mystery hour is the jokes are never repeated. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

We’ve had this one. The material/finish can affect the taste of the tea/coffee. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

There can’t be a single person that would outweigh the balance of a plane that could fit in a seat. Must be an average and based fuel on that. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Trying to cut-in a colour while listening to this is utterly impossible. I give up. 😅😄😄 @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

So if you have the money for that choice and still remain married… happy days. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

As you say, more can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you choices. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Sometimes marriage is the final step in a relationship. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

The colours used: Farrow & Ball Stirabout & Railings on the spindles. This was completed over two phases of work.

When your cat matches the interior design your on a good path.

Before & after.

Before & after.

High streets. Class. Education system. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

I’m often reminded that supermarkets in France don’t have junk food on display near the checkouts. I know it doesn’t explain the decline, but is a part of a healthier relationship with food/diet I believe. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

So much work has gone into this staircase. The colour on the stairs themselves is ‘Stirabout’ ~ Farrow & Ball.

Jamie Oliver. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Ornate restoration today. Yes my neck aches but I’m in my element.

If only they showed you a Farrow & Ball colour chart to select from. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Was thinking more Bat Cave, Bruce. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Making progress. What do you think of the dark spindles using ‘Railings’ F&B?

A perfect of example of how details once highlighted, can change the perception of proportion. The door will be painted in the same shade too. Colour: Farrow & Ball ~ Railings.

Bit late I know, but you had a bbc hook and tease yesterday. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Story of my life.

The ‘after’ photo is one I look forward to revealing. Using all my tricks in one this one…

Benjamin Moore Scuff-X Matte. This is what I used here to decorate this lower half of the walls to create a panel once the carpenter added the beading. This dries fast, easy to apply and is extremely durable.

The ceiling was included in this phase of the work. But it now looks better!

Before & after. Lots of attention needed on this unit. ‘New’ doesn’t mean ‘ready’ to decorate. The colour used is by Little Greene ~ Rolling Fog Pale.

Been such a thought-provoking show. Fully enjoyed it. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Yes, but this is on a whole another level. Can’t truly compare such responsibilities. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Because of who he was dealing with it should have been cross-examination plus belt and braces, twice over. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

Agree with you absolutely. You don’t set the standards at what Johnson got away with. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk

We need a reset of standards. @mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk