Joseph King-Smith Joseph King-Smith

Stapes - ‘Tunnels’ (audio)

One two one two,

this is just a sketch……

Another idea put out under my alternate moniker; Stapes.

One two one two,

this is just a sketch……

Another idea put out under my alternate moniker; Stapes.

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Joseph King-Smith Joseph King-Smith

Tuffeau Stone

Tuffeau is a type of limestone used throughout the Loire Valley, both in the construction of Chateaux and more modest dwellings.

Tuffeau is a type of limestone used throughout the Loire Valley, both in the construction of Chateaux and more modest dwellings.

a wall of Tuffeau limestone

The Loire region was once an ancient sea bed of the Paris Basin where the gradual compression of fossilised marine organisms over millennia formed Tuffeau.

the Chateau de Saumur

Chateau de Saumur

evident deterioration of the Tuffeau stone surrounding the Chateau de Saumur

It is attractive and strong but also porous and prone to degradation.

Above: Evident deterioration of the stone surrounding the Chateau de Saumur.

a close-up of Tuffeau stone blocks
the Saumur City Hall

The Saumur City Hall

The wine industry of the Loire Valley utilises vast networks of Tuffeau tunnels and caves for vinification as the stone helps to maintain optimal year-round temperature and humidity.

a block of discoloured Tuffeau limestone

The stone is often brownish-green when extracted…..

a block of Tuffeau limestone

….whitening as it dries.

Below (images courtesy of www.ot-saumur.fr): Ancient troglodyte caves cut into cliff faces surround Saumur. They are now often used for growing mushrooms to be sold at markets or supplied to restaurants in Paris. 

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Joseph King-Smith Joseph King-Smith

Photos - October 2022

I am currently in the Loire Valley after a fairly arduous day and a half of travel from North Devon. I took a total of nine trains, two busses and a taxi to get to this part of France.

I am currently in the Loire Valley after a fairly arduous day and a half of travel from North Devon. I took a total of nine trains, two busses and a taxi to get to this part of France. The photos above were taken on my first train, south-east through Devon from Barnstaple to Exeter.

monochromatic image taken from inside a train travelling through the English countryside

The aftermath of a short but torrential downpour while on my way to Bristol.

photo taken from inside the Bristol to London Megabus

London bound.

image of a red London bus at night

After staying at my sister’s place in Deptford overnight I caught a 4am night bus and the first tube of the day from Great Portland Street Station to St. Pancras.

Barnstaple - London - Paris

12 hours / 7 Trains / 2 Buses

I got to Paris, Gare du Nord at around 9.30am then on to Montparnasse. From there, south-west to Saumur and the Loire Valley.

Chateau de Saumur overlooking the Loire River

The Chateau de Saumur overlooking the Loire River. The Chateau (like most buildings in this area of France) was built using Tuffeau; a type of limestone mined here in the Loire Valley.

The Loire River from the south.

a beautiful French sunset

Sunset over my accommodation near Saumur, 31/10.

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