So you want to be a researcher?

*raises hand* Mind if we return to the topic of Dr and Mrs Turner go to Torquay for their honeymoon? I know there’s a distinct lack of palm-trees on these pictures, the observation of which I recall as a wish of Sister Bernadette’s, but let’s pretend they - the trees - are hiding around the corner.

Yes, the styling, hair at least, is veering a little towards the 1940s, but it’s so beautiful that I cannot be arsed to care about a slight historical inaccuracy for speculation/inspiration purposes. The (sometimes not-applicable) muted colours, the high-waists, the textures, and the accessories. Ugh.

Outrageously blissful photographs by Martina Ankarfyr.

Another quick speculation about the interiors of the future Turner house.

Firstly, look at all the teak! Then note the blend of good ole teak from the 50s, and somewhat Jetson-esque sofas and armchairs, in the pretty blue, swinging across to the 60s. (Ooh, bad pun. Get in.)

Secondly, toy soldiers! And the desk fan. No air-con for the Turners.

Thirdly, and very excitedly (for me at least) is this remote control for a Grundig Dirigent radio. It is basically an equaliser, but with little pictures for each setting! *is besotted* In old object descriptions Grundig apparently often highlighted that their products contained no “modern plastics”, i.e. no bakelite. This remote however, looks rather… hm.

Photos.

(1, 2, 3)

Where were we? Oh yes…

Patrick, Shelagh, and Timothy are stood on the patio in their back garden with three suitcases for the weekend. Once Shelagh has gone through the suitcases again (just in case), and packed them some food, the walk back around to the front of the house.

Patrick walks straight past the familiar green MG, and around the corner. A moment later, they hear a mighty engine start, and a sleek, red car pulls up. Patrick parks, and jumps out, beaming - it might be a couple of years old, but it still measures up. Shelagh thinks this is rather too frivolous, hiring a car when they have one that serves them just fine! But Patrick notices her giving the car an admiring glance when he introduces it as an Ambassador Special V8.

Timothy asks what V8 means, and Shelagh looks on fondly as Patrick explains that it means there are eight pistons pumping oil into the engine, giving it more power than the six in the MG*. Timothy asks if this means to will go faster, and is delighted by the answer.

They set off on the recently opened M1 (1959), and while TImothy at first is ecstatic at the speed at which they are able to travel, for there would be no speed limit until 1965 (but shhh, they don’t know that), he nods in agreement when Shelagh says that she prefers the country roads - the speed feels quite dangerous sometimes…

Patrick mentions that the AA patrol the motorways - engineers, like doctors of the traffic, TImothy - but at that moment, also takes an exit off the motorway, onto a country lane…

*didn’t manage to check this, do correct me if I’m wrong, thanks

ETA:apparently the standard engine for MGs back in the day was a straight-4 (aka an inline-four), not a V6. Shows how much I know about automotive history. Because nobody cares. :)

Photos from this talent.

This is where we left the Turners last time… in an Ambassador Special V8, on a country road NOT near Harpenden, off the newly opened M1. They drive past poppy-fields, and everyone seems more at ease than on the motorway. They arrive at a mint-coloured front door, and enter to find the following waiting on the kitchen table…

It may not have been the 1950s miss Trixie, but neither was it the 1590s.

While I am unsure whether or not Meg and Mave would have had such an embellished (=the padding and the leather) specimen of a birthing chair, here is at least a good look at one. Note the illustration in the background showing it in use.

Random thought: midwife is one of the professions where we seem to specify if it is a man doing the job, e.g. “male midwife”, “male nurse”… “male stripper”? Hm. *disapproving look*

Random post. Basically clothes that say “Shelagh” to me. As you were.

1, 2

In series 1, we saw Jenny - in the first episode - and Chummy - in episode two - inducted into the world of Nonnatus House with greetings to all present residents, introductions to all the cake tins, and a round tour of their trusty medical bag, which holds everything they need to carry out ther work as a midwife. (Says Heidi, so it’s as good as gospel.) The bottom image is borrowed from CtM’s facebook page, and shows the tools/props used on the show. Already then, Chummy was befuddled over some of the contents; imagine if she had encountered the above, which illustrates the instruments and the midwife’s medical bag from 1911 (from the RCM blog).

hannahjadynxo:

Miranda at the Bafta’s May12, 2013 :) xx

“It’s verreh caaamp.”

(via garyprestons)

(x)

One more before I close shop: don’t deny it - you want to know what Miranda has just said to Jenny.