Italian Undertones in Devon

Light quality is a key factor for photographers, certain light reflects on angles and surfaces enhancing colour and shadows, creating drama and depth. Since living in the South West of the UK I have discovered a new quality of light on a daily basis, a light unfettered by pollution, a sun that rises slowly and takes it's time sinking and air clarity that brings out the depth of colours.


Today was no exception ... as we walked through Slapton, a quintessential Devon village, with thatches, pastel painted rendered cottages, smoke trailing from ancient chimneys and a quietness, stillness that takes you back in time. Amazingly the population of Slapton is approximately 400 and has over 50 listed buildings! Think Miss Marple and locations and you will picture a village like Slapton.


Sunday lunch at The Tower Inn never disappoints especially in winter ... an open blazing fire and friendly staff serve a fantastic Sunday roast of rare beef that melts in the mouth. It is cosy and so English. We visited here many times when camping at Slapton Sands  a well run and maintained site, with views of  Slapton Sands (actually .. pebbles)! Just a walk away from The Tower Inn and in the other direction the sea! With our friends, Gill and John and Kate, we camped here many times, supper at The Tower Inn (more a 'spit and sawdust' style of pub then) ... kite flying on the beach ... 'skimming stones and having fun"... I also did my longest run ever here with John ... our lovely friend who was a marathon runner ... he inspired me to run ... John was renowned for getting lost ... on this particular occasion we got very lost in the Devon lanes, nothing for it but to ... 'keep on running.' 


A leisurely walk through the village allows you to linger on each cottage, house and feature. Each is unique and there is something in each house that deserves greater inspection. The wall of the house in this image always attracts my attention. The colour of the paint, the Italian/Victorian architecture, the bridge across a very narrow road reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, romantic bygone times. 


Italian Prisoners of War were stationed in Brixham, a few miles away, they were brought in to widen roads and bridges during the second world war after the D-Day Disaster and Exercise Tiger landings at Slapton Sands. So perhaps there are Italian influences in this small village that had a large part to play during the war. Exercise Tiger


The colour, timeless, seems to last forever, glowing in the sunset, changes your mood bringing Italy into sharp focus.