motetus: (the eagle / gladiator)
[personal profile] motetus
Yeah, I am an idiot. I got my first roll of film back and my reaction was: "what the hell is going on? I was using black & white film! THESE ARE IN COLOUR!" and was horribly confused and frightened for a good ten minutes. So, apparently you should read stuff, like what is plastered all over the box. I'm a clever girl, yes I am!

But hey, photos. Here are some shots from my weekend with [livejournal.com profile] ainsoph15 and our visit to Calleva that I'm putting up here mostly because I'm excited about my first use of the old film camera (lesson for next time: learn how to focus the damn thing), and not because they're particularly artistic or impressive, although maybe one or two people in Eagle fandom might get a kick out of seeing where Uncle Aquila goes shopping. [livejournal.com profile] ainsoph15's suggestion for the title of this post was "Calleva: We went here so you didn't have to" though that's maybe slightly unfair - while it is just mostly wall, there is a lot of it, and it makes you realise it would have been a big place, much larger than I thought it was originally. So, maybe visit if you're in the area, but don't start booking flights to the UK just to see it.

The pub, a good place to start any adventure. I didn't laugh, because I am a mature grown-up. Shut up.



Roman wall! Aren't you excited? Well yeah, it could look like any old wall from any old time, but SHH.



SLIGHTLY BETTER PART OF WALL. Okay, I will stop with the walls. I don't want you all to get overexcited and hurt yourselves.



The remains of the arena, which is much bigger than the one in the film (I'd say... at least twice the size? Possibly thrice?). [livejournal.com profile] ainsoph15 was a total spoilsport and refused to reenact the bit of entertainment that occurs just before Esca makes his first appearance, even though I would have been perfectly happy playing the role of the dwarf.





Uh, mushrooms.



When we had all the Roman wall we could handle, we drove (and by that I mean [livejournal.com profile] ainsoph15 drove, I took a nap and probably snored and drooled all over her car's furnishings) off to see [livejournal.com profile] demon_rum's tattoo, also known as the Uffington White Horse. Being the terrible hostess that she is, [livejournal.com profile] ainsoph15 did not arrange a private helicopter ride to see it properly, so here it is from the ground. From very far away.



From close up. Those two lines at the top? Those are its huge buck teeth. Or it could be a vampire horse, but I like the buck teeth explanation better.



Oh yeah, and the view is rather pretty too.



And a bonus: Mithras and his bull from the Ashmolean museum (I think it's only a plaster copy, sorry).



Here, have another bonus from my finishing-the-roll shots as this is Roman-themed too. My sketchbook, which still looks just like that. Yes, that is the very first page.


Date: 2011-09-14 05:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sineala.livejournal.com
Actually, I think they're very pretty wall photos. Also, nice sketchbook. :)

Date: 2011-09-14 05:27 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
I've just been spoilt by visiting sites in Italy and Turkey - unless it's at least three levels high, I'm not impressed!

Thanks! It's supposed to be Caesar - maybe I should give him a head, even if I don't finish off the rest of his body.

Date: 2011-09-14 05:23 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] planejane.livejournal.com
Superb photos! And the ecologist in me always get a bit excited over old stone walls and the like. Because, look! Right there is a veritable ecosystem. And I especially like lichen. I bet the lichen was spectacular. <3

Date: 2011-09-14 05:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Now you mention it, there wasn't as much lichen as you'd think there would be. A lot of the wall was made up of flint and morter - maybe it doesn't grow so well on that?

(ha, symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae! My degree was biology but I think I remember all that from high school)

Date: 2011-09-14 05:32 pm (UTC)
ext_354884: (Eagle - By My Side)
From: [identity profile] awarrington.livejournal.com
Great photos! I'm surprised how big the arena is and love all the textures of the wall.

Are you planning on doing some more sketches? :)

Thanks for posting these. ♥

Date: 2011-09-14 05:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Yeah, it was quite big, and the arena was built before the events of The Eagle - maybe Kevin McDonald was being cheap?

I hope I'll get more use out of the sketchbook! I have a terrible habit of buying one (and it HAS to be the fancy expensive moleskine type), drawing about two things in it, then giving up and buying a new one because new sketchbooks are shiny and fun. Maybe if I can get myself into the habit of using it more often I'll treat myself to a scanner and do the occasional sketchdump here (though my traditional skills are crap compared to digital).

Date: 2011-09-14 06:04 pm (UTC)
ext_354884: (Eagle - By My Side)
From: [identity profile] awarrington.livejournal.com
When it comes to sketchbooks, you and my daughter have a lot in common! Actually, she has a general stationery fetish, but sketchbooks seem to be a prominent part of it. :)

As for scanners - you can pick them up from ebay and amazon from £30, so not too much of an outlay, but I've seen some pretty good results of artwork posted to LJ using a decent digital camera.

As for your traditional skills, based on that one drawing, they may not meet your own exacting standards, but they're still bloody good. :P

Date: 2011-09-14 05:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] poziomeczka.livejournal.com
so fucking JEALOUS. SO FUCKING JEALOUS.

Date: 2011-09-14 06:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
I AM GLAD YOU COULDN'T MAKE IT, IT MEANT MORE CAKE FOR ME.

Next time though, you had better make it. Maybe I can lure you and Ainsoph down/up here (hey, I'm right in the middle! However, Manchester is very much lacking in the Old Roman Shit department). I just need to come up with a suitable bait that isn't cake, because my icing skills just aren't up to Ainsoph's.

Date: 2011-09-14 08:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ainsoph15.livejournal.com
Manchester has booze, right? I think that's probably incentive enough for us to come and visit ;)

There is the reconstructed Roman fort at Castlefield as well, which is Reconstructed Roman Shit, I suppose...

Date: 2011-09-14 08:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Booze in Manchester? No, you are greatly mistaken, we are a very pious and puritan city. If you want though, we can get up early on Sunday and go to Mass. God knows, you need it.

Date: 2011-09-14 09:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ainsoph15.livejournal.com
OH GOOD. THEY HAVE BOOZE IN MASS TOO.

Date: 2011-09-14 08:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ainsoph15.livejournal.com
YOU GIVE ME THE DATE. I WILL PROVIDE THE ACCOMMODATION.

AND THE CAKE AND TRIFLE ;P

Date: 2011-09-14 10:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
YOU DID NOT SERVE ME TRIFLE. I AM OFFENDED. NOW I WILL HAVE TO IMPOSE ON YOU A SECOND TIME WHEN MEG VISITS.

PURELY FOR THE TRIFLE.

Date: 2011-09-15 07:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ainsoph15.livejournal.com
OH DEAR GOD, YOU MEAN I HAVE TO ENDURE YOUR COMPANY AGAIN? WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS???

Date: 2011-09-15 10:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Trust me, it won't be any more pleasant for me. But, trifle.

Date: 2011-09-14 06:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladytiferet.livejournal.com
It's a very pretty and impressive wall :D And your sketchbook ♥

Date: 2011-09-14 07:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Thank you! :D My sketchbook needs more love, the poor thing. HEY ZOE, REMEMBER WHAT A PENCIL IS?

Date: 2011-09-14 07:27 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladytiferet.livejournal.com
We can set up some art exchange if you need motivating :D

Date: 2011-09-14 09:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
You're on! Okay, I'll draw you something in the sketchbook you specify (nothing too crazy! I get scared when I don't have all my digital tools) in return for... say, canon or canon-era AU manip? :D What do you want?

Date: 2011-09-14 11:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladytiferet.livejournal.com
Great! I was thinking Roman soldier Esca from Meg's li'l 'verse, what do you think?

I want something, uhm, maybe modern AU-style? To mix things up a bit? :) Would you rather draw Marcus or Esca?

Date: 2011-09-15 09:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Oh, I'm not fussed which one I draw COUGHMAKEITESCAIAMSOSICKOFCHANNING'SFACECOUGH. Any particular modern theme?

Date: 2011-09-15 10:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladytiferet.livejournal.com
Well, I actually prefer Esca :)
I want either steampunk!Esca, Esca in any kind of a uniform or hipster!Esca :D

Date: 2011-09-14 06:59 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] inyadreems.livejournal.com
Film. Wow. I'd be scared to not be able to see what I've taken NOW. Hubby borrowed his mother's wedding album to scan some photos last week. There are seven photos in the album. A wedding, and they have all of seven photos. 00

I do like your focus of the wall. And the views.

Date: 2011-09-14 07:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
It is slightly scary using film! I think I like it though, for when I'm not too fussed about getting the perfect shot - it's much lighter to carry and doesn't look so intimidating. But go me, at least half were in focus AND I managed to load the film the right way around. :P

Date: 2011-09-14 07:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] frackin-sweet.livejournal.com
I think these are wonderful photos! And I would have LOVED your vacation and been totally fangirly over the wall!

Date: 2011-09-14 09:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Haha, we did get a little bit fangirly over it - next time we will remember to take our gladiator costumes and make more use out of that arena. I will however demand a less revealing costume than Esca's, for everyone's sake...

Date: 2011-09-14 07:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] seascribe.livejournal.com
Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing these.

Date: 2011-09-14 09:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
You're welcome! See, it was just wall. :P

Date: 2011-09-14 09:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] seascribe.livejournal.com
Yeah, but still an AWESOME wall.

Date: 2011-09-14 08:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ainsoph15.livejournal.com
WHO THE FUCK IS THIS AINSOPH PERSON AND WHY WOULD SHE TAKE YOU TO A VERY LARGE FIELD SURROUNDED BY A WALL. WHAT A SHITBAG. I BET SHE GAVE YOU MOULDY JAM AND TOOK HALF AN HOUR TO MAKE CUSTARD AS WELL.

Bah, I haven't even got my photos off my camera yet, but that is fine because yours are fab. Also, because I am a twit I totally failed to take a photo of 'Silchester shits', and really, that was the best thing in the pub.

I would have been perfectly happy playing the role of the dwarf

YOU FAILED TO MENTION THAT AT THE TIME. Ha ha, I would have been more than happy to do it, but you know I would have needed the full OUTFIT and shit, otherwise I would just be some random woman in a dress standing in the middle holding a stick-sword.

VAMPIRE HORSEY!!! RAMPAGING OVER THE HILLS SUCKING THE LIFE FROM THE VERY SOIL!

Ooh, that Mithras one came out really well! It's so hard to take photos of things behind glass (or was it? I can't remember!). I have GOT to get back to that museum. SO MUCH MORE TO SEE.

That sketch! It is divine! Your pencilwork is so precise and lovely. Does this mean more trad art from you?

Um, I may have just baked a new batch of lemon cupcakes...

Date: 2011-09-14 10:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
YES, SHE WAS A BITCH. SHE MADE ME WALK UP A BIG HILL AND KEPT SHOVING TEA DOWN MY THROAT. At least she didn't beat me too much when I kept flinging tea leaves all over her newly-vacuumed carpet, I'll give her that.

No, don't think the Mithras one was behind glass - though they probably should have done that given I very nearly knocked over the poor fisherman and his shrivelled penis trying to get that photo.

...maybe. I keep meaning to do more traditional stuff but I have panic attacks when I can't locate the Undo button.

PLEASE POST ME MORE LEMON CUPCAKES. DO IT NOW SO I HAVE THEM FOR BREAKFAST.

Date: 2011-09-15 07:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ainsoph15.livejournal.com
Oh yeah, I had forgotten about you getting frisky with the geriatric fisherman. I know you like them old, but really dear...

God, I would love to see you doing more trad art. Well, more ANY art, because it is all so very awesome ♥

NO. THEY ARE FOR MY BROTHERS. YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO COME HERE AGAIN PURELY FOR THE SAKE OF THE CAKE. Ha ha, I emailed them tonight and let them know I would be bringing cake with me for the weekend. I have never known such excitement brought on by baked goods. (Oh god, apart from the time me and my bff made gingerbread cookies then iced them with obscenities. There is nothing quite like biting into a cookie which has 'HUGE COCK' scrawled onto it.)

Date: 2011-09-14 08:43 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-little-owl.livejournal.com
The last one: Did you draw that? It's awesome!

Date: 2011-09-14 10:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Yep! It's only a copy of a little picture from a book - I should give poor Caesar his head soon!

Date: 2011-09-14 09:48 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caffeinatedkate.livejournal.com
It's a lovely wall and you're a talented sketcher.

But seriously..., film? They didn't go to the trouble of inventing the digital camera so you could use film. :P

Date: 2011-09-14 10:15 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
And what is wrong with film, pray? Maybe I like the misery! :P

Plus, old film cameras feel awesome. They're heavy and the clunk of forwarding the film is very satisfying. :D

Date: 2011-09-14 10:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
dammit, my mrs doyle html got wiped out. Just imagine the misery line being said in an Irish accent.

Here's a mammoth for ya!

Date: 2011-09-15 01:04 am (UTC)
pronker: barnabas and angelique vibing (mammoth)
From: [personal profile] pronker
The horse, you saw the horse! And the arena, sigh ...


The sketch is wonderful -- looks 3D from my angle.

Re: Here's a mammoth for ya!

Date: 2011-09-15 06:39 pm (UTC)
pronker: barnabas and angelique vibing (obilol)
From: [personal profile] pronker
I do! They are so wonderfully Pleistocene.

Date: 2011-09-15 03:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] carmarthen.livejournal.com
My brain literally SHUT DOWN at your sketchbook page.

Date: 2011-09-15 06:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Yes, Caesar is totally sexy, even when missing a head and three limbs. I am going to finish that sketch tonight EVEN IF IT KILLS ME.

Date: 2011-09-15 06:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] carmarthen.livejournal.com
ARMOR. GUH.

I totally need to try writing Caesar/Nicomedes for [livejournal.com profile] sineala. Need to do moar research, though.

Date: 2011-09-15 08:40 am (UTC)
ext_189645: (Logres)
From: [identity profile] bunn.livejournal.com
That's a lovely sketch, I hope you do give him a head.

Also: Walls! Hello Walls! Hurray!

Re the size of the arena, yes, and Isca Dumnoniorum is too small as well - in the book it has a forum and a basilica outside the fort, which should be larger - and that's on 1953 archaeology - we now know it was quite a big town. I think for the film they wanted to play up the 'frontier province' thing and make everything a bit smaller and cruddier than it actually would have been.

Date: 2011-09-15 10:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
I suspect you're right. Or the budget was limited. :P I'm going to choose to believe the ending of the film was set in Calleva though - the size of the main administrative building shown on the info boards there convinced me it could have been set there rather than somewhere more important.

Date: 2011-09-15 08:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] archaeologist-d.livejournal.com
Very pretty pictures. I remember the White Horse but not from that angle.

Date: 2011-09-15 10:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] motetus.livejournal.com
Thanks! There are loads of hills around that area - I'm sure we could have got a better view if we'd walked around a bit, but climbing one big hill was hard enough work.
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