16 of 2016

January 1, 2017July 19, 2022 / mikeosbornphoto / 34 Comments

2016 has been dismissed as a bad vintage by some, thanks to Brexit, Trump and a large number of celebrity deaths.

But behind the camera, another year has passed with a great deal of photographs to show for it. I’ve picked out 16 that seem to have stood out from the pack, reflecting a year of travel to Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka.

The foreign adventures were curtailed as I set about the task of leaving London and setting up home further north. There were some photo excursions along the way, including a blistering summer’s day in Broadstairs – and finally capturing the sumptuous staircase in an old London furniture store.

2017 looks likely to be filled with new northern adventures in and around Manchester, with some travel thrown in. Thank you for another year of visits, appreciation and support – a Happy New Year to you and yours.

Click first image to view the best of 2016

The Duke’s backyard

May 22, 2016May 22, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 13 Comments

This is a magnificent garden tucked between the suburban sprawl of London and one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow. It is Syon Park, part of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate, also consisting of a sturdy and impressive stately pile – not to mention a fantastic ‘greenhouse’.

It was a partially sunny day drilled by a cold wind with the threat of rain. But these are beautiful grounds to capture, from the magnificence of the Giant Rhubarb at the water’s edge, to a whole host of flowering plants and natural details. Apart from the older couple seated and enjoying the peace and quiet, I had the run of this London gem.

Click first image to view the gallery

Glass cathedral

May 8, 2016May 8, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 21 Comments

Syon Park is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. And such a grand estate needs a fitting greenhouse. Well, this is called the Grand Conservatory and is an impressively elegant glasshouse, with a smattering of tropical plants and a magical setting for a wedding reception.

I was in my element with this building, with its layers of glass, architectural lines and symmetry – all topped off with a cathedral-like dome. There were few other visitors, so I could even lie flat on the ground to capture its height. A glasshouse fit for the aristocracy, a photographer’s delight.