The weather today was quite warm (19°C, 66°F) though cloudy but with intervals of sunshine. This tempted us to venture further afield than we have done recently with the sad result that we felt quite tired as a result – we are badly out of practice!

A sunny interval

This view from Mylne Street towards Myddelton Square shows the summery atmosphere when the sun shone. In between whiles, the clouds closed to dull the scene.

Ladybird larva

Passing through Myddelton Passage, I photographed this ladybird larva. To be honest, I don’t know whether it is a native or one of the invasive Harlequin Ladybirds that are causing havoc among the native population. I hope it’s one of the good ones.

Colourful sprout

On our way through Spa Green, my attention was caught by this twig sprouting low down an otherwise bare tree trunk. Its variegated colours were attractive in the sunlight. Why do twigs sometimes sprout in odd places like this?

City University College Building

This is a building belonging to City University in St John Street. I know, I’ve photographed it before but it’s a handsome piece of work and worth capturing again.

Northampton Square Gardens

The name Northampton is attached to a number of streets in Islington, along with the name Compton. The Comptons were from the 17th century landowners in the area who later became marquises of Northampton. In the middle of the square, as is usual, is a park or garden. This one boasts a bandstand though I doubt whether any bands play there these days.

No dogs

Humans are welcome to stroll or sit in the gardens but dog walkers are out of luck: no dogs allowed!

Early 19th-century shop and house

We were intrigued by this building in Tompion Street and we were right to be intrigued. It turns out that it is a Grade II listed building, originally a house and shop dating from 1815-18. For more details, check the link.

Tompion Street received its name only in the 1930s. Before that, it was called Smith Street after the Smith Company that, starting from about 1780, made clock glasses and glass shades here. The name Tompion, of course, refers to the 17th-century clockmaker, Thomas Tompion, whose clocks still command high prices from collectors.

Modern sculpture – artist not named

We found ourselves beside some more buildings of City University and here there was a modern sculpture. There was no ascription plate so I do not known the title, date or artist’s name.

Self portrait

I walked round the sculpture, looking for the best angle for a photo but the light wasn’t very good here so I made do with the first snap. But its reflective surface provided an opportunity for a self portrait!

Cafe – closed

Through the window could be seen a cafe, predumably for staff and students. Today it was closed and looking rather sad – a symbol of these troublous times.

Colourful canopy

We walked through a housing estate called Emberton Court and spotted this unusual colourful canopy at the entrance. Some of the walls were decorated with tile work and I particularly noticed this one:

Ship in tiles

At first sight you might think this represents a Viking ship but that cannot be so. The helmets of the crew are all the same and resemble those worn by the invading Norman forces. So does this represent William’s fleet sailing to conquer England?

The name Emberton probably refers to Joseph Emberton who designed residential tower blocks.

Pigeon – Spa Green

We started back now but by the time we reached Spa Green once more, we felt tired enough to have a rest on one of the benches. After all these weeks, we are sadly out of condition! While sitting there, I photographed one of the resident pigeons. Did I mention that I am fond of pigeons? Yes, probably, once or twice 🙂

I expect I don’t need to say that our next port of call on the way home was Myddelton’s deli.

Coffee and Portuguese custard tart

We bought our usual coffees and today an extra treat – a Portuguese custard tart each. Shameless luxury!