Advent Calender 2013: Day 22

Hanging the Mistletoe Dante Gabriel Rossetti 1860 private collection

Advent Calender 2013: Day 21

Christmas Eve "and there was no room for them in the inn" Arthur Melville 1900-1904 National Galleries of Scotland

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Advent Caldender 2013: Day 20

Lady and Gentleman skating on ice c.1525 Adriaen van de Venne Courtauld Institute

Today's charming image reminds me that the more things change the more they stay the same.

One of my favourite things to do is to head down with friends to one of the cities Christmas skating rinks and although they might be wearing a slightly different outfit choice this couple seem to be enjoying it just as much.

Only 5 days to go!!!!

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Advent Calender 2013: Day 19

The Nativity Esmond Knight Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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Advent Calender 2013: Day 18

Christmas at Corfe Castle Dorset Elsie Barling 1957

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Advent Calender 2013: Day 17

Admiral Nelson's Glorious Victory over the French Fleet off the Mouth of the Nile on the 1st Augt 1798. Manuscript Christmas Verse by Henry Vinicombe National Maritime Museum Greenwich

This print was made in November 1798 and just in case it is too tricky to make out on the image it reads:

Tis come the day of health, the saving morn,

The Son of God, the babe of love is born.

Behold all Heaven descends upon the wing,

And choiring angels, Glory glory sing

Glory to god, from whom such bounties flow

And peace on earth good will to men below

An honest man is the noblest work of god

Should some slight faults escape my pen

With candor yet approve

The boys can’t reach the feats of men

Im sure at least I strove

This Christmas verse is surrounded by images of Nelson's victory over the French outside the mouth of the Nile. We are shown images of Nelson and the Captain's involved in the conflict including Captain Westcott who was killed in the battle. A dramatic image of the french l'orient being blown up is also included. 

My favourite part of the print is the final image in the bottom right hand corner which shows 'Success to the jolly tofs of old England'  

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Advent Caldender 2013: Day 16

A Christmas Fire Side Intended as a present to the Rising Generation by John Doyle, printed by Alfred Ducôte, published by Thomas McLean 1833 The National Portrait Gallery

I really like this image it just looks like such a wonderfully smart yet cosy afternoon over tea.

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Advent Calender 2013: Day 15

Colin Self 1993 Christmas Day Tate Britain's Print and Drawing Room

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