Did you, by any chance, see the Jim Al-Khalili programme on BBC Four about gravity at the end of March called, “Gravity and Me: The Force That Shapes Our Lives”? I really enjoyed the programme but it’s not the content that’s elicited this jotting. No, it was the locations for some of the scenes.
The programme featured the Observatory Science Centre, based at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex. The surrounding estate still retains some of its old features, including a walled garden. Unsurprisingly these days, though, it appeared to be all laid-out as pleasure grounds.
At about two-thirds into the programme, a range of glasshouses were used as backdrops as Jim explains how a beetle (which hasn't discovered gravity yet) perceives its environment.
Many of the greenhouses were in a parlous state: most without glass; glazing bars missing; many of the frame timbers had rotted ends; and the iron brackets and mechanisms were rusted and exposed to the elements. (Curiously, many of the dilapidated houses contained plants, some flowering, despite the state they were in).
However, in the beetle scenes, at least one house was in good repair, with sound and painted timbers, and intact glazing. Let's hope that one house is an indication that all the glasshouses will be restored and back in proper use.
If you didn't catch the programme, here are a couple of screen-scrapes:
The programme featured the Observatory Science Centre, based at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex. The surrounding estate still retains some of its old features, including a walled garden. Unsurprisingly these days, though, it appeared to be all laid-out as pleasure grounds.
At about two-thirds into the programme, a range of glasshouses were used as backdrops as Jim explains how a beetle (which hasn't discovered gravity yet) perceives its environment.
Many of the greenhouses were in a parlous state: most without glass; glazing bars missing; many of the frame timbers had rotted ends; and the iron brackets and mechanisms were rusted and exposed to the elements. (Curiously, many of the dilapidated houses contained plants, some flowering, despite the state they were in).
However, in the beetle scenes, at least one house was in good repair, with sound and painted timbers, and intact glazing. Let's hope that one house is an indication that all the glasshouses will be restored and back in proper use.
If you didn't catch the programme, here are a couple of screen-scrapes:
Dilapidated glasshouses at Herstmonceux Castle (above). Restored glasshouse (below). Pics: BBC.
And a few more photos from the programme: