Work has been.......interesting, so far. I essentially operate in the catacombs of the Courtauld, Britain's finest 18th century structure, which makes the time pass just knowing who else walked (or wailed) within the same walls. Before becoming a Naval base/barracks it was actually a royal palace for the King and Queen. Usually, in the 1700s , underground levels were reserved for odd practices, such as imprisonement, torture, etc. I guess it was tougher to hear the screams. Maybe my mind is wandering a bit too far here...but perhaps I'm in the company of a few restless undead. We shall see.
Today I catalogued about 50 different paintings, ranging from Paul Gaugin, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Cezanne, and a ton of other seemingly ancient dudes. But the truth is, these guys were around just yesterday in the grand scheme of things. And what is most amazing is what their true worth is. Yes, their paintings are nice, but it is the fact that they CHALLENGED THE SYSTEM which makes the works truly priceless. They were the first; Innovators. Pioneers. Rebels. Insane. Call them what you like, but they were badasses. The best part is, many didn't become famous until far after their deaths. It wasn't about the glory... It was about freedom of expression amidst a strictly hierarchical society...
The actual area which I work in is called the Witt Library - one of the only Art Archives of its kind in the world. You want to see a copy of any 14th-19th century European painting? You come to us... You want to see a hundred other copycat versions? You come to us... People actually travel from around the world to verify if old prints found in their grandparents' atticks are truly authentic (which they rarely are). While work is tedious and coffee is likely to become my best pal, it is the company I keep which helps pass time the most. I have two bosses - Barbara Thompson and Anthea Brook, two Art historians and sweet, sweet older ladies. Anthea, probably in her 60s, is our main overseer. By "our" I mean Ellie too - my fellow intern. She is a really cool girl from Georgetown and already a friend. Back to Anthea. She is really hip, and often lets her tongue fly in hilarious ways. I love her old school British accent, and I think she likes my southern twang as well.
Well, me and JT just finished For the Love of Money, an old Tom Cruise flick from the 80s, and even watched City of God last night. It's really nice having a good bud around from home. As for everyone back in the States, I think about ya'll often - especially Camille, Amanda, and Odin. Mom & Dad, hope the house is coming along. Save me a room.
I'm out. Time for bed. Big day with the ghosts tomorrow...
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