Gilded Gage...

Inspired by many beautiful and ornate antique gilded bird cages, I decided that upon restoring an antique-styled birdcage, re-gilding it, and presenting it to Peter with a pair of Love Birds inside as an anniversary present.

Here are some examples of Victorian birdcages (many containing automatons)...

Here is my finished cage with it's pair of Lovebirds inside (not as ornate as the ones above, but still a little different from your run-of-the-mill budgie cage)...

Lovebirds are a sociable and affectionate small parrot native to the African continent which can live for up to 35 years! I chose masked Lovebirds as I thought that the white mask around their eyes made them very dramatic. They are a breeding pair. Any ideas for names?

Blenheim Wallpaper Update...

Just an update on the wallpaper situation. We you may recall, we have been searching for just the right chinoiserie-styled wallpaper for the Blenheim Suite, and we have found it. The wallpaper, featured above and below, is a Zoffany wallpaper called 'Manchu Turquoise'.

A close second, but lacking the wow factor of the crimson birds and pomegranates on a turquoise background was the Nina Campbell wallpaper "Birdcage Walk"...

Finally, I recall seeing this picture a long time ago, but have never found out what that name of the design is. Does anyone know?