R3 in the News Again

architect's 3D model

Well, those sedulous folks in Leicester, England, have done it again—they've discovered yet another modern-day connection to our man of the year, Richard III. Last fall it was the bones of a male that they believe may be the medieval king (still waiting on DNA test results—now supposedly coming mid-January). A couple of weeks ago a metal boar was found. Now someone has made a 3D model of the Blue Boar Inn, the place at which Richard spent at least a night before he was killed at Bosworth Field. Here's the full story.
The director of archaeological services at the University of Leicester found detailed drawings in the notebooks of a 19th-century architect—instructions for framing, fireplaces, room sizes, etc., and exact measurements. Perhaps some day they'll recreate the inn full-scale—especially if the body under the parking lot is indeed Richard III's.

Richard III, the Boar

A copper-alloy boar "mount"

I'm checking almost every day to see whether the remains found underneath a car park in Leicester, England, are indeed those of King Richard III. No word yet. 

However, some amateur metal detector sleuths did find something very interesting at the edge of the Thames near the Tower of London in October (evidently I was too busy with other things to see it then)—a mount in the shape of a boar.

Mounts were metal pieces that were often used on pieces of furniture or as decorations on a leather item. Researchers believe this one was once owned by a supporter of Richard III or possibly even the king himself. It is also said that Richard ordered metal badges to be made for his coronation in 1483. Richard's chosen symbol was the boar.

Shakespeare's Hastings refers to Richard as such—

"To fly the boar before the boar pursues
Were to incense the boar to follow us."

As does Richmond—

"The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar . . .

Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough
In your embowell'd bosoms-this foul swine
Is now even in the centre of this isle,

Near to the town of Leicester, as we learn."

(Note the reference to Leicester, location of said car park!) How great would it be to have one of these as a memento of the Richard project?

My wife sorta wishes I'd incorporated this image/theme of the boar more in Richard III: The Terrible Reign. Ahhh, now begins the post-production coulda-woulda-shoulda.

Design Everywhere

A really great grate

Grate close-up

I'm always on the lookout for design inspiration. In fact, I drive my wife crazy asking her to take pictures  with her iPhone of moss, rocks, tree bark, gates, fences, and brick everywhere we go.

I love the verdegris patina on this grate set in cement against a cement/plaster wall. The dirt/mold patterns are interesting, too, and are good references for when something on a set needs to be "grunged." Grit is so interesting.