Mar 26, 2010

085- Painted Ladies

Painted Ladies is a term used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. The term was first used for San Francisco Victorian houses by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book Painted Ladies - San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians.

As I was perusing my vacation photos I realized that I had (at least) one more vacation post. But I just want to go on record here and tell you that Cindy wouldn't turn around, double back, retrace the route, all in rush hour traffic so I could get a photo the most beautiful Painted Lady! (bwahahahaha)

I've always loved look of the rows of houses looking so much like bricks stacked on their ends... going down (or up) a steep incline.

085- painted lady 1

After I missed the most beautiful of all Painted Ladies, I kept my camera out so I could capture some of the less spectacular. This one was so quietly pretty... just hanging out on the corner.

085- painted lady 2

I really like this one. Would you like to be the one to paint all that gingerbread?

085- painted lady 3

But this one was definitely my favorite. Here is this tiny Painted Baby Girl sandwiched in between to much larger, newer buildings.

085- painted lady 4

Isn't she sweet?

085- painted lady 5

And what's up with this? Does this hall go through? Is there a firewall? What does this mean? So many questions!

085- painted lady 6

And to go along with all of the Painted Ladies... Grace: Grace Catholic Cathedral. What a beautiful old building.

085- grace catholic cathedral

The thing that impresses me the most is all of this is built on hill after hill after hill. Did you notice that none of my photos are on the level? That was not done on purpose!

2 comments:

Dean and Sheri said...

AS SOON AS I read "Painted Ladies" I couldn't read any further! I had to go straight to the photos because I knew EXACTLY what this post was about. The "Painted Ladies" are my most favorite part of the city. I am drawn by their charm and history. Dean and I stayed in a mansion on Sacramento Street for our honeymoon. Oh how I love these lovely old homes. For me, it's like looking into the case at a pastry shop...it's so hard to decide which one I'd choose. I think I'm gonna get a coffee table book of "Painted Ladies". Thanks so much Joanie.

Anke said...

wow those houses are just gorgeous!!!