A to Z
April (2022) Blogging Challenge
Hello, dear
readers!
I’d like to
thank you all in advance for stopping by, and I hope that at least a few on my
list of remarkable buildings pique your interest as they did mine.
“Design is not a coincidence or a
formula, it is a result of human reflection and vision in response to a
specific challenge.” ~ Unknown
I
Ideal
Palace
Hauterives, France
What began as a small collection of interesting stones along
a postman’s daily route, (1879-1912) soon became Postman Cheval’s thirty-three-year
mission to single-handedly construct an Ideal Palace for he and his wife. The results of his efforts surpassed
expectations in this monument to nature and lasting tribute to sheer
determination. Numerous inscriptions (inside and out) share insight into his
thoughts throughout construction. A number of tools, including his faithful
wheelbarrow, are displayed within. He called it his “companion in suffering.”
While not involved in any artistic movement, its admired by Surrealists and recognized as a major work of art. Without any formal education, the Ideal Palace is considered an extraordinary example of Naive Architecture. The Ideal Palace was classified as an historical monument in 1969.
I’d stop in, if I was ever in the neighborhood. Would you?
That is quite impressive! And with no training - he did well.
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex!
DeleteI think so too. I hope he was aware of the impact his project had before he passed. He was certainly determined to leave a message.
dIEDRE ~
ReplyDeleteI certainly WOULD check that out if I were anywhere in the general area. That's quite a fantastic structure. It looks like something from a fairy tale come to life.
I would even be interested in seeing the “companion in suffering”. Ha!
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Howdy Stephen T!
DeleteHis wheelbarrow is on display there - and there are pictures of it. I just forgot to include one (sigh). Cheval even inscribed (carved) the phrase "companion in suffering" on the wheelbarrow ;-)
Fantastic. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of this amazing monument - that too singly making it is unbelievable and impressive
ReplyDeleteGood day - Dropping by from A to Z - https://afshan-shaik.blogspot.com/
Hi Afshan!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed ;-) It is a captivating example of one man's mission to see his vision to fruition. Amazing!
That is so cool. There are many labors of love throughout the world that I've seen or heard of. Not far from where I am we have the Watts Towers that some guy took many years to build. Now it's a weird landmark that attracts tourists.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Hi Lee!
DeleteI've heard of Watts Towers. It's been called "an island of whimsy in the middle of an urban landscape," and indeed it is ;-)
But then again it might be one of the few places in Los Angeles that seems to make sense.
DeleteHa! You're probably right. In contrast to all the chaos these days, the towers are like spiritual magnets ;-)
DeleteHi Diedre - Extraordinary ... thanks for another great building - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, dear Hilary. I thought it was worth a look ;-)
Delete