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Starting "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 |
By noon I had finished the first small oil study and started a larger canvas to reveal the Tollhouse in the context of the surrounding landscape.
The exterior of the Tollhouse had been lovingly restored in 1997.
I had heard that a local historical society used to open it for tours, but it looks as though it has not been opened for several years at least.
The exterior of the Tollhouse had been lovingly restored in 1997.
I had heard that a local historical society used to open it for tours, but it looks as though it has not been opened for several years at least.
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| Starting "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
The 1974 version of Fitzroy Bridge is the 5th incarnation of the bridge over South Creek.  |
| Painting "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
In contrast to the current surroundings, this 1875 photo of the Tollhouse with the "Jolly Frog" shows the prominent place the Jolly Frog and Toll House once played as gate posts leading into Windsor.
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| Painting "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
As you can see in this photo, the Tollhouse is invisible from the main road. Unfortunately despite its site as Windsor's heritage gateway it isn't able to function as a tourist drawcard.
The bridge definitely needs to be at this level or even higher, due to frequent flooding, so there is no easy solution to the problem of the Tollhouse.
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| Painting "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
The land is close to the river, and even more prone to flooding than the other side of the road which is slightly more elevated.
The Tollhouse is now buried deep in a hole.
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| "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
In the shadow of the concrete wall, this little heritage gem stands no chance of becoming the tourist drawcard that it so richly deserves to be.
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| "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
I managed to complete this painting by 5.30 pm.
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| "Windsor Tollhouse" 2014 oil on canvas 25 x 51cm Enquiries |
What a contrast between the sensitivity of the texture of the convict cut sandstone blocks and the brutality of the concrete aggregate wall!
I think that my painting really expresses the feeling of claustrophobia given by the oppressive concrete wall looming over the Toll House.
I think that my painting really expresses the feeling of claustrophobia given by the oppressive concrete wall looming over the Toll House.
The wall has a threatening, almost malevolent appearance, and the building seems to be in danger of being buried by it.