God Jul - Merry Christmas from the Manor House of Lövstabruk

The Manor House in my village Lövstabruk (Norduppland-Sweden) are built 1730 on the grounds after the previous Manor, burned by the Russians 1719 together with all other buildings and homes in the village and the surroundings.

The owning family De Geer decided to re-build the whole village and Iron business again.

During the 13th generations the family owned Lövstabruk a lot of traditions where created, specially around the Christmas and here is a glimpse from the nice traditions.

(I did not have the best camera with me, so I appologies for the quality of the photots)

The guests where greeted in the large hallway here with decorated chandellier and the goats of straws typical for Sweden, originally symbolizing the pagan God Thor's goats pulling his cart.

In the dining room there is a large Julgran/Christmas tree in the corner with stearin candles and the typical windows candlelights from this region, Uppland.

The view towards the windows

 The view towards the entrance hall

Coffee time in the silk salon

On the mantle piece a traditional Lövstabruk candle holder.

In the Christmas room the childrens Julgran/Christmas tree where placed, with decorations made by them. Also Julklappar/Christmas gifts in a basket and candies for the children where always in this beautiful room.

Here the cover of Svensk Damtidning/Swedish Ladies magazine, a Christmas issue from 1946 is a wonderful photo of Baroness Maud de Geer (Mörner), her sons; the present Baron Louis de Geer and his brother Carl de Geer of Stora Väsby.

The childrens Tomte

Christmas Champagne in the Library

But all the food, cookies and candy had to come from somewhere, the kitchen.

On these photos are the originally kitchen from 1730, in the 50's a more modern kitchen where built.

In this kitchen it was busy with kitchen staff, servants, maids. The house where self contained with meet, dairy, fish, game, vegetables and fruit, and many times where fresh Asparagus served from there own greenhouse (still standing) for the Christmas table.

So Dear Friends, with this little glimpse from the Manor where I'm one of the honored guides I do want to wish ALL my followers:

GOD JUL

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Per!

In the Fantasy world of Julia af Robson

"ROOTS" is the name of Julia af Robsons latest exhibit.

I try to follow her developments in the art, loving it off course, since I love colours, and there are plenty of it compare to last years exhibit "TROLLSKOG"

I did not have good conditions for the camera, but hope you get it anyway!

Here from Galleri Hagström in Stockholm Old Town.

(For better photo quality, go to her WEBSITE)

If you are really lucky, as I was, you will have a private viewing of her art.

It starts with the BIG BANG

These are reminders from last years exhibit, but with more colours

"Roots"
"Roots is a series of paintings that can be seen as an extended version of Trollskog but bigger and with more colors. Indian ink and acrylic are the material Julia uses. Julia creates new worlds and explores patterns and relationships. She is interested in the subconscious, what is happening beyond our life and what is controlling us. She tries to create fantasy worlds that you as a viewer can escape to. Gold is a color that often recur and is to be viewed as a symbol for spirituality."

Here is one of the cool Wine labels Julia designed

It was as usual a pure pleasure to follow Julia in to the inspirational world of hers, Thank You Julia, Per!

A frosty sunny December walk in Lövstabruk

Today it was an absolutely spectacular winter day here in my village of Lövstabruk, Norduppland-Sweden.

Not much snow yet, but cold, crispy, frosty and sunny!

I could not resist taking the camera out for a walk, Enjoy!

Back home to my house after 2 hrs walk, for a cup of coffee and preparations for Christmas!
Thank You for follow me on my walk, Per!

 My Garden Prince looks a tad frozen!