Paradise Found is a photograph by Norma Brock which was uploaded on March 6th, 2013.
Paradise Found
Deep in the heart of the Connemara, in western Ireland, is the fantasy-like Kylemore Abbey which sits on the banks of Lough Pollacappul, also known... more
by Norma Brock
Title
Paradise Found
Artist
Norma Brock
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Deep in the heart of the Connemara, in western Ireland, is the fantasy-like Kylemore Abbey which sits on the banks of Lough Pollacappul, also known as Kylemore Lake. The magnificent structure was built by Manchester textile tycoon Mitchell Henry in the 1860's as a gift to his beloved wife. They visited the area on their honeymoon in 1849 and reportedly spent over £450,000 to create a fantastical dream world. The bogs were drained, gardens were planted, and this mirror like lake became a paradise.
Henry was a good man, reportedly loved by his new neighbors. The vast sums spent in building his castle brought employment and prosperity to the area and saved many a family from starvation during the Famine years.
Tragedy struck when Henry's beloved wife died in 1874 from Nile Fever. Then in 1892, Henry's daughter was killed when her horse threw her into a nearby river. Henry was so overwhelmed with grief that he sold the estate. The Benedictines purchased Kylemore Castle in 1920 and opened the Abbey as an international boarding school and day school for local girls.
Uploaded
March 6th, 2013
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Comments (22)
Loriental Photography
Fantastic image and great title ! This place definitely looks like paradise :) v
Olaf Del Gaizo
Half of the battle is finding the right title. Charlie and Norma, you've already won here. In a spectacular contrast with Dante's hell, you show us natures heaven. It is only after our eyes drink this in that we spot the character in the center of the photo. This gives us all hope that we can achieve paradise… Just like the person in the boat-- magnificent and awe-inspiring.
Norma Brock replied:
Very kind words Olaf... and we appreciate your observations and comments very much. You have a way of bringing LIFE to art.. Cheers, Charlie
Atousa Raissyan
Beautiful, love the reflection, the water lilies, the light on the hill, the different shades of green :) :) v
Pedro L Gili
A great capture! Wonderful landscape and a perfect composition for this image! Good job! T V