Our Sepia Saturday prompt this week features a sign on the side of a building which, appropriately enough, says "signs" (based on the same logic I am tempted to call this blogpost "Blogpost"). Looking for a family connection to signs, my first thought were drawn towards my father, Albert who, on leaving school in 1924 was apprenticed to a signwriter. Alas, his apprenticeship didn't last too long as after a few days the school authorities decided that he had left school too early and made him go back for an extra few weeks. By the time he eventually left school, the signwriting job had gone. Many years later, I managed to replicate his early career move when I managed to get a job as a press photographer. Alas, between getting the job and finally finishing school, the newspaper closed down and my life went off in a different direction.
But I am not following this particular sign for my Sepia Saturday post this week, I am, instead, moving off in a maternal direction. Here are a couple of photographs featuring my mother, whose birthday it would have been on Sunday. Both photographs feature signs, and the signs take us to opposite ends of this country of ours (I realise I might need to amend that last sentence in the light of the results of the referendum on Scottish independence which will take place in a few weeks time).
The first photograph shows me and my mother outside the "First and Last House in England" which is - or was back in 1964 - at Land's End in Cornwall. The second photograph - which seems to be of about the same vintage - features my mother and father outside the First and Last Shop in Scotland which is/was at John O' Groats in Scotland. The photographs are a sign of the travelling we did when I was young. The photographs are a sign of my mother - always there : first and last, beginning and end. The photographs are a sign.
Has the First and Last House changed since then? That is, has there been any new construction to cause them to lose that distinguished designation?
ReplyDeleteYes, mothers are First and Last in all our hearts, are they not?
A first class pairing. Knowing a bit about Britain's geography, those are two first and last points that would never be seen on the same weekend.
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos. And of course it started me thinking, if there are any East and West houses .
ReplyDeleteToo bad about that sign painting sign and the few more weeks of school your father had to attend. A whole different life awaited him as a sign painter.
ReplyDeleteA lovely memory of your mother.
ReplyDeleteDid your parents buy you souvenirs when you travelled?
What a lovely quote to say about your mother, and a thought that works well for most of us as well!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I found there is another house with the same sign for Scotland at Gretna Green.
ReplyDeleteLove that: the first & last house. Looks rather cold.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep an eye out for the First & Last Souvenir Shop in Scotland at John O'Groats when I'm there next summer. A year away, yet, but I can hardly wait!
ReplyDeleteGreat contribution and beautiful thoughts.
ReplyDeleteNice bookend photos.
ReplyDeleteIt was very thoughtful of your mother to have those nice sign photos made for your "Blogpost."
ReplyDeleteI think there must be quite a number of First and Last Houses/Cafes/Shops in Scotland. There used to be one at Jedburgh, 10 miles south of the Scottish/English Border . South into England in Northumbria National Park there is a First and Last Pub.
ReplyDeleteLovely sentiment about your mother and a double hit on the theme with the signs and everyone with their hands in their pockets. Looks like you inherited your Dad's eyebrows. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your mother. It's nice to remember her this way: "first and last, beginning and end." A very sweet sentiment.
ReplyDeleteNicely done. The quote at the end says it all doesn’t it. What also stands out is the fact that your mother isn’t wearing a dress and sunglasses in either photo!
ReplyDelete