The Triangle SE19

Friday, 24 February 2017

The Mosasaurus and other creatures

Until I first ventured on to Dino island, I had no knowledge of the mosasaur's existence. Hidden away on the far side by the weir, he is partially submerged, and up until the latest round of conservation, was barely visible through the abundant undergrowth. He has now emerged, looking splendid in his eye-catching green scales, next to the brand new weir.
This latest phase of work, was not just about conservation, but also involved some major engineering. The lake had to be drained, as the focus of the conservation was on the semi-submerged creatures, and a temporary barrage and bridge were installed, so that the new weir could be constructed. Undertaken by Skillingtons Workshop Ltd., who had successfully worked on the 6 sphinxes, progress during the winter months was slow, with all work having to stop during periods of heavy frost. You may have spotted some of the sculptures wrapped in bright blue tarpaulin for their protection. Now that the wraps are off, the impressive work of the conservation team, headed by Mark Porter, contrasts starkly with the remaining unrestored beasts, but will hopefully spur on the fundraising for the additional £800,000 required to complete the restoration programme.

I made several trips over to the island to document the works, starting last october.

Dino dentistry

Pedro Jimenez working on a Teleosaurus

Elizabeth Esteban Teruelo working on the Ichthyosaurus

Mark Porter attending to a Plesiosaurus

Weeds sprouting from one of the sculptures

Mark pointing out the rusting inner framework

The fibre glass head of the Plesiosaurus would have been added during the last restoration programme, 15 years or so ago

Catarina Ramalho

December 2016

Mosasaurus with new nose and colourful coat

The barrage

Temporary bridge to the island

The new weir

February 2017

And finally, my most recent visit to the park, was to see the newly installed signs and information boards.

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

Blowing Dandelion - Artisan Chocolate Cafe

Keeping out of the spotlight, in the basement of this recently opened chocolate emporium and cafe, Michaela Simova is busy putting the finishing touches to the latest batch of her beautiful handmade chocolates. Row upon row of delectable treats are being lined up on their wooden display frames, like beads on an abacus. Perhaps an unconscious nod to her former career as an accountant. After having a baby, Michaela decided she wanted to do a job that made her happy, and as she told me, "chocolate makes people smile". The name of the business, Blowing Dandelion, was also chosen to invoke happiness, and simple pleasures. Since 2011, she's been selling at markets around South London, including, Herne Hill, Greenwich, and Oval, gradually building up a devoted following. When Michaela took the plunge last year, and opened the shop and cafe, she needed someone to train her to use the coffee machine. Enter Neil Le Bihan, who was only supposed to be in for a few days of training, but has since become the cheerful smiling face of the shop and cafe. The premises, at the top of Belvedere road, is bright and welcoming. Michaela designed the space, and got local joiner, Jake Dunn, whom I hope to feature here soon, to make the rustic wooden fittings.
But back to the chocs, which are miniature works of art. Michaela uses edible paint on the inside of the moulds to give pattern and colour to the surface of each chocolate. And I hear that she's using this technique to create a range of Easter eggs, currently in production! So what better way to put aside all those worries about Brexit, and Trump, than to indulge yourself at Blowing Dandelion.