Madding Collection

Wessex / Waterstone House
Wessex scenery: Waterstone House, Dorset, home of Bathsheba Everdene in Thomas Hardys novel Far From the Madding Crowd

Writing / Gray Poem
Part of the manuscript of his poem, Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard, inspired by a visit to Stoke Poges Churchyard, Bucks

Up the Thames in Summer Time (chromolitho)
1058985 Up the Thames in Summer Time (chromolitho) by Dollman, John Charles (1851-1934) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Up the Thames in Summer Time)

A Couple Boating on the River Thames, 1879
Illustration showing a young couple, boating on the River Thames, enjoying a quiet moment among the long grasses of the river bank

WESSEX / PUDDLETOWN 1906
Wessex scenery: Puddletown, Dorset, model for Weatherbury in Thomas Hardys novel Far From the Madding Crowd Date: 1906

PUDDLETOWN / DORSET / 1906
Puddletown, Dorset (the model for Weatherbury in Thomas Hardys novel, Far From the Madding Crowd) Date: 1906

Caricature of A W Pinero, actor and playwright
Caricature of Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934), English actor, playwright and stage director. Seen here outside the Globe Theatre, London, where an adaptation of Thomas Hardys novel

Caricature of A W Pinero, John Hare and W H Kendal
Caricature of A W Pinero (left, 1855-1934), John Hare (centre, 1844-1921) and William Hunter Kendal (right, 1843-1917), toasting the success of Pineros play, The Squire, at St Jamess Theatre, London

Caricature of A W Pinero as a clown
Caricature of Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934), English actor, playwright and stage director. Seen here as a Christmas pantomime clown at St Jamess Theatre, London

Wessex / Abbotsbury Barn
Wessex scenery: tithe-barn at Abbotsbury, scene of the sheep-shearing in Thomas Hardys novel Far From the Madding Crowd Date: 1906

Thomas Hardys Far from the Madding Crowd
Bathsheba and Farmer Boldwood. An illustration from Thomas Hardys Far from the Madding Crowd

Puddletown / Dorset / 1910
Puddletown, Dorset (the model for Weatherbury in Thomas Hardys novel, Far From the Madding Crowd)

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"Far from the Madding Crowd: A Gray Poem Up the Thames in Summer Time" In the picturesque landscape of Wessex, where Waterstone House stands tall, A couple sets sail on the tranquil River Thames, their hearts entwined like a ball. With hues of chromolitho painting their path, they embark on an idyllic journey, Away from the madding crowd, seeking solace and serenity. As they glide through time and space, echoes of Puddletown's charm fill the air, Dorset's beauty surrounds them with its quaintness so rare. Caricatures of Pinero and his theatrical comrades dance in their minds, Their laughter echoing like a clown's jests that often unwind. Abbotsbury Barn stands proud amidst Wessex's rustic embrace, Its ancient walls whisper tales of love and grace. Inspired by Thomas Hardy's masterpiece, they find solace in this scene, Where nature meets literature, creating a world serene. The year is 1910 as Puddletown reveals its timeless allure, An enchanting village where history and beauty endure. Gray clouds may loom overhead but cannot dampen their spirits bright, For within these moments lies pure joy and delight. So let us escape to this realm far from life's bustling race, Where tranquility reigns supreme at every pace. In this madding world we live in today, let us find our own retreat, And cherish these stolen moments that make life complete.