Archie and Meriel Visit

I'm sure I put these photos on yesterday but they seem to have vanished? Anyway - here they are again with some that Meriel Clarke took. Lovely to have both Meriel and Archie Leigh-Jones at home for a couple of days. Went for a walk down to the community orchard and the fishy ponds yesterday. A bit muddy and no swans and few ducks - they must have flown off for the festive season! I made a lasagne last night and then we watched Muppets Christmas Carol - one of Michael Caine's best performances.

Oh yes, showed Archie and Meriel the willow horse thats taking shape down by the Community Orchard. Took a few photos and Meriel took some too. It wasa bit nippy out so glad to get back in the warm.

Birthday Boy

So it was quite an exciting day - 27 years ago in St. Thomas's Hospital where our boy was pushed out into the world. Hazel went into labour around 10-30 in the morning so not far to toddle ( or did we go in taxi? ) My diary doesn't mention any modes of transport. Two days earlier "Hazel feeling miserable. Crying and tired, poor thing." She cheered up later . Visit from Michael Lumb who took away three carrier bags full of our mail art archive for his PHD studies. Carol came round for lasagne. Friday was "A blur!" is all my diary says. For the 10th - "Gosh, so elated and tired and confused- my head spinning and aching and the days events rushing through my poor addled brain. Dear Archie arrived at 9.43pm. weighing 7 pounds and 2 oz. and howling like a banshee! Poor Hazel had to have stitches which was worse than the contractions she said. She sucked on the gas line like it was going out of fashion. Went in hospital at 1.30pm so quite quick. Arrived home from hospital about 8 mins. past midnight (Saturday). Walked but no hassle thankfully.Tired. Hope to sleep and Hazel and Archie too. Weird being a father - can't quite believe it! Slept fitfully - woke at 7. Phoned people on Hazel's list. They didn't mind being woken up." and so it rambles on...... and here he is 27 years later in his flat in Fulham with his birthday crown and inflatable crabs! He's off to see Graham Norton tonight with Bruce Springsteen and James Blunt and some other stars courtesy of BBC ticket unit.

Universe 25

http://archieleigh.tumblr.com/post/107428800527/archieleigh-idea-for-a-song-not-sure-where-to

Find it HERE.

Party Popper Gatling Gun

Another great video from Archie and his latest creation at Brighton University.

Rogue Studios

Archie has a video piece in this exhibition in Manchester tonight and next week. It's the Gherkin Training video he made for college. Must try and get over to see it in situ and all the other weird stuff!

More Wobbling Daffodils!

Updated video of Archie's amazing machine he made from recycled biscuit tins etc.

Daffodil Wobbling Machine

Sneak preview of mad machine that Archie made for his final piece at his art foundation course at Mid Cheshire College. Daffodils made from recycled biscuit and choc tins. Powered by electric drill with simple cam attached. He's going to make a better film once it is installed properly with a white background and no extractor fan noise.