Marc Provins

Like hydrangeas, camellias remind me of grandmothers and the past. I think of them as typically British, a staple English garden flower, but just like the hydrangea they originate in Asia. Whether you realise it or not you probably have some camellia in your home. Tea is made from the camellia leaf, another cultural link between Asia and Britain. They need an acid soil to thrive, so a low pH and they put on a good exhibition of colour at the beginning of spring, helping us emerge from the short days of winter. These pictures were made in the Camellia House at The Yorkshire Sculpture Park on the day the clocks went forward, a pocket of beauty within a whole garment of visual stimulation. 

Yesterday was spent helping a friend choose and buy a wedding suit. Not an activity that lends itself to too much observational photography, especially when you're not allowed to reveal the outfit in advance of the do. However for a moment the sun came out and the shop was flooded with light, casting this perfect scene across the floor. It's not a black and white picture, there are some beautiful subtle colours tucked in there if you look. I like how the carpet gives the impression of film grain. The title of this blog entry refers to my nap in the car on the way back (I wasn't driving), a lovely term that my grandmother used to use, in her London accent. If you've never heard it before forty winks refers to a quick impromptu sleep, usually not in your bed. The modern equivalent is probably power nap which sounds much more macho and business-like. My grandmother, was a seamstress early in her long life so actually there is another link with picture too.