April 10, 2005
Mr. Jefferson's wrapped Capitol
Virginia State Capitol
Capitol Square, North Ninth and East Grace Streets
(That shot really does bear all the marks of having been framed through a chain link fence with the sun full on the little screen and affording the photographer no view at all of the image. That state office building in the background is entirely vertical in reality.)
This isn't a Christo thing. The state capitol is getting a face lift and so are the grounds, which are being carved up beyond recognition. Supposedly it's all to the good, but I kind of miss the grand old magnolias and pretty walkways. Once upon a time when I was wandering around the grounds many years ago, I found where, on the ground in a grove of rhododendrons, the then-governor's children had spelled out their names in loose bricks. The governor's mansion is also on the grounds, so the capitol grounds were like their yard for a few years.
T. Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson appears to be overseeing the work from his vantage point on the Washington Equestrian Monument (featuring various illustrious Virginians), which is also getting a bit of a cleanup. On his right hand stands George Mason, who wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights on which is based the Bill of Rights in our wonderful Constitution.
G. Mason
Some parts of the grounds aren't being messed with. Over towards the bell tower at the Franklin Street pedestrian entrance, the tiered, Victorian birdbath-style fountain is dry but untouched. This charming water fountain isn't working either (it's probably on the same plumbing system). With luck, it'll be there still in 2007 when this restoration work is supposed to be complete.
Water fountain
Capitol grounds
With even more luck, we'll be able to get a drink.
293 words | April 10, 2005 09:17 PM | Shutterbug