In the last year or two, one way I’ve been coping with depressing news headlines has been to bury myself in “nice soothing murder mysteries.” They somehow seem less frightening than real life. And since I favor mystery series that transport me to another place or time, they’re also educational.
Whether modern Venice, southern France, a Quebec village, Regency England, or Australia in the jazz age, I learn about culture, food, language and societal traditions. And the other night I discovered a frighteningly relevant term from a couple of centuries ago.
Apparently, to grimthorpe something is to thoroughly ruin a beautiful old building by employing lots of money and almost no taste. The verb came from a fellow who basically destroyed an ancient cathedral with expensive updates. It is used to describe grandiose, ambitious, ornate and tasteless alterations. Ring any bells?!
On a brighter note, they generally don’t allow such behavior in France. where entire historic villages are often protected. Can’t you just imagine how a glass skyscraper or golden arches would ruin this streetscape alongside charming Honfleur harbor, in Normandy? Fortunately, they’ve kept the human scale. The inviting cafes and boutiques in short buildings complement the fishing boats and the famous mariners’ wooden church behind them, Honfleur’s architectural masterpiece.
Robyn, thanks for commenting! Glad you love Honfleur, and I did not know about the show. Will have to check it out!
Beth, I’m with you all the way. Love this painting and love Honfleur–a fave spot of mine. BUT have you seen Signora Volpe? Ooh, I love the story and the scenery and all the Italians make it irresistible. It is on Acorn, but if your library supports Hoopla digital, you can both season there–sign on early in the day once you download the app on your TV–you can get the shows for free.