obsessions
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom." ~ William Blake
Aerial view of Central State Hospital in Indianapolis (I live in Seattle, but was born and raised in Indianapolis), c.1921
Growing up in Indy, there were so many stories about Central State. Closed in 1994. Great example of a Kirkbride building. My obsession with these buildings started at an early age.
http://www.kirkbridebuildings.com/
I’ve had rather a large obsession with Kirkbride asylums for some time now. This particular style of architecture was common in 19th century sanatoriums.
Jacket, c.1890’s, from the North Dakota State University Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection.
Love the shape of this garment; the details (buttons, embroidery, fur) are spellbinding.
Diadem in the shape of a mermaid, by Rene Lalique - so very beautiful.
Illustration by Sir John Tenniel, from Through the Looking Glass
One of my idols, the amazing Edith Head
Inspiring! Detail of some gorgeous embroidery/beadwork from the Drexel Historic Costume Collection.
Nightbreed. Such a great movie. Cronenberg was wonderful and haunting as the shrink/slasher Decker.
Midian is where the monsters are.
Theda Bara, vamp.
“Anatomie des Vanités” exhibit, 2008 Erasmus House (Brussles, Belgium) featuring a 17th century anatomical Eve
(Source: morbidanatomy.blogspot.com)
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. ” - Macbeth, Act V, Scene V
Lady Macbeth costume, c. 1888, adorned with thousands of jewel beetle wings.
“The Child Eater”, built in 1546 - the oldest fountain in Bern, Switzerland.
“Untitled” 1970 - 1971 Diane Arbus
