Imagine walking into a bookstore and thinking 500 years ago someone stood at this counter and purchased a book. Five hundred years ago! So if you like printing, bookbinding and printing presses…this place is for you! Having published a book, I am fascinated by the overall process which is what peaked my curiosity about visiting the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp, Belgium.
This isn’t a house of dusty relics, but one of a richly decorated interior of leather walls, ornate chandeliers, and creaking wooden floors with the oldest printing presses in the world. A photographer’s dream with incredible lighting that varied from room to room. Very much worth the visit even if museums aren’t your thing! (Because trust me, they aren’t mine!)
I’m home now and still have so much to tell you and I haven’t even finished Belgium yet. But there’s things going on here in my city that must be shared as well! Be ready for some double doses!
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So I must tell you about a fabulous movie, Simon & the Oaks, that opened last night at the Paris Theatre. A coming-of-age drama (based on Marianne Fredriksson’s Swedish book) of a young boy living outside of Gothenburg, Sweden back in 1940 and growing up amidst the political and social turmoil of World War II. And…there’s a big family secret. I’ll say no more.
The cinematography was incredible (I could watch it multiple, multiple times) and the classical music…mesmerizing. We were offered an additional bonus by having the director Lisa Ohlin attend the opening night show and answer questions from the audience. Seems her family had their own secrets that closely echoed the story of the book and film as well. Fascinating – both the film and her discussion with us! The film has been a big hit in Sweden and other European countries and has recently been released in Australia and even Korea, prior to its American release this week. A must see if it shows in your area! And even more so if you’re a photographer!
FABULOUS frissy, simply FABULOUS. Thanks for sharing.
XXOO & MORE. GH
You know we both would have been with you in that bookstore, Robin. We’ll have to remember that for when we go visit Antwerp maybe next year. We’ve both been there but not together.
I always like a good movie recommendation (as you can imagine :)), and have noticed that Simon & the Oaks came out here in the Netherlands on Sept. 20. We’ll check out our DVD store for it…but as Astrid said, it’ll have to have English subtitles!
Fabulous pictures, I know you have so much fun with your camera and having the high ISO. I am impressed.
My brother is a typographer. One day he gave me my name in ‘lead’.
This museum is wonderful, I can smell the ink.
(as for the movie, once we had a Chinese movie, language Mandarin with Dutch Subtitles, 🙂 we were allowed to take it back)
I’m scrolling – here – thru your Belgium pix..especially captivated by the possibility of being in this exact space 500 years ago. Such a rich history!
Wonderful images!
It’s like a travel back in time Robin, beautiful Thank you xo
I updated the link on my reply to you as I see it was still giving my other address, sorry for the duplication of comment :/
perfectly exposed. love the lighting. such warm, rich tones
Love the history and wonderful rich tones, too! xoxo
These images are gorgeous! You said it, “A photographer’s dream!”
Impressive photos!!! Love the rich colors & lighting!!! What a gift to experience such a magnificent bookstore. Love you!!