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December 23, 2011

Operation Signage: Angkor Archaeological Park, Day 5

Today was garuda day. Fierce bird-men that appear in both Buddhist and Hindu mythologies, 72 massive sandstone garudas guard the outer wall of Preah Khan, an enormous twelfth-century temple complex that is WMF’s longest-running project at Angkor. I’m putting together some new material for the visitor center here, and the first step was to head out into the jungle to take some new, high-resolution photos of last year’s conservation of garuda #55 (above).

December 21, 2011

Operation Signage: Angkor Archaeological Park, Day 3

I knew it! The cocktail cure for jetlag worked like a charm, and I’m back on schedule. I spent all day in the office today, which is a bit dispiriting when you know that one of the great archaeological wonders of the world is a few minutes away.

December 19, 2011

Operation Signage: Angkor Archaeological Park, Day 2

Well, the good night’s rest that I hoped for in the last post didn’t come to pass, so I’ll try to fall asleep shortly, but not before regaling you with my day’s doings.

December 16, 2011

Operation Signage: Angkor Archaeological Park

Time once again for a few blog entries from me, Ken, the art director here at World Monuments Fund. Please don’t expect a lot of coherence from this first one, since I’m on the last leg of the flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the jet lag is starting to kick in.

December 12, 2011

Natural Sanctuaries: Russel Wright's Manitoga

On a brisk autumn afternoon in the Hudson Valley we made our way to Russel Wright’s <a href="/project/manitoga">Manitoga</a>, a 75-acre property acquired by the designer in 1942. Wright built a modern house and studio in the 1960s by incorporating natural and industrial materials into the side of a former quarry that existed on the site.

December 06, 2011

Coventry: Ancient City, Contemporary Times

On November 14th, I had the pleasure of visiting Coventry, United Kingdom. I knew little about this town until the <a href="/project/ruins-former-cathedral-church-st-michael-coventry">ruins of the former Cathedral Church of St. Michael</a> were listed on the <a href="/watch">2012 World Monuments Watch

November 27, 2011

Magical Zanzibar

It’s very difficult not to be enamored with Zanzibar. After all, who could resist an island filled with generously friendly people, surrounded by pristine waters that change their blues depending on the time of day, wafting aromas of cloves, coconut and curry, as well as rooftops, buildings and alleyways that beckon to all for exploration. Zanzibar is a feast for the senses.

November 21, 2011

Field School at Morris-Jumel Mansion

WMF partnered with Historic House Trust of New York City and Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design to host a field school at Morris-Jumel Mansion, November 11, 2011.

November 16, 2011

Isa Khan’s Tomb: Conservation & Garden Restoration

Isa Khan’s tomb (A.D. 1547) has often been considered, including by some experts, as a minor tomb within the Humayun’s Tomb complex (a World Heritage Site), and comparisons with the much grander later building have been made without an understanding of the smaller building’s enormous cultural significance.

November 14, 2011

Walpi-WMF Partnership Kicks Off with Cleanup

On Tuesday, November 3, I made a presentation about the <A HREF="/watch">2012 Watch</a> to about 30 members of the Hopi community at <a href="/project/walpi-village">Walpi Village</a>, First Mesa, AZ. This kicked off a three-day cleanup campaign, WMF’s first joint activity with Walpi following its inclusion on the Watch.

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