Jerusalem Limestone tiles have been quarried between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea for almost 6,000 years. It’s an organic, sedimentary rock that makes a natural stone flooring material that really withstands the test of time and serious traffic.

 

Jerusalem itself has taken a pounding over the millennia. It’s been repeatedly attacked, destroyed, captured and recaptured and yet still survives.

 

Natural stone reclaimed tiles made from Jerusalem limestone are proving increasingly fashionable but they always have been a popular choice with architects and builders. Strong and long-lasting, limestone floor tiles and slabs were used to create pavements and stone floors in ancient Jerusalem. The Lapicida antique reclaimed collection not only features limestone floor tiles, it also includes beautiful and durable limestone wall tiles.

Taking place this week in India is Diwali, more commonly known as the 'festival of lights,' but uncomforting news for India this month, their most famous historic building, could collapse in less than five years! The foundations are reportedly decomposing and brittle due to the Yamuna River drying up.

The Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, took 22 years to build, needed the brawn of 1,000 elephants and the skills of 20,000 labourers, but well worth it to create a magnificent marble building.

In 1983 the Taj Mahal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is widely recognise as a jewel of islamic art. Hope to look forward to another 358 years for one of the worlds spectacular masterpieces.

Lapicida have been kindly requested to donate one of their special Alabaster Vases for the Yorkshire Post Christmas Charity Appeal 2011.

The name Alabaster may derives from the Ancient Egyptian word a-labaste, which refers to vessels of the Egyptian goddess Bast.

An individual hand carved marble vase, perfect as an indoor or outdoor feature. Put a candle in it and watch the colours change.

The Hepworth Wakefield presents exhibition of British artist Clare Woods, starting saturday 22nd October until Sunday 29th January 2012.

Clare Woods looked at two well known Yorkshire sites; Ilkey Moors and Brimham Rocks for inspiration. She took over 500 photographs of the weird and wonderful sedimentary rock formations and formed a collage, which resulted in some striking paintings on a massive scale. Reaching up to 6 metres high and 10 metres long, Clare uses enamel, creating luscious and reflective surfaces on aluminum panels.

Close up the paintings are vidid and abstract but when stepping away the magical elements of the landscape appear and you begin to recognise Brimham rocks and the naturally formed sculptures, in a beautiful setting.

US President Barack Obama has offically opened the new monument of the Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Obama said the 30ft Granite statue is a tribute for Martin Luther King and to everyone who took part in the Civil Rights Movement.

The stone monument is just a walk away from where Martin Luther King delivered his famous, ' I have a dream' speech in August 1963. The memorial is based on a line from his speech, "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." When visiting the monument peolpe literally have to walk through the Mountain of Despair to get to the Stone of Hope, symbollically, "moving through the struggle as did Martin Luther King during his life."

Excitingly Lapicida now have a range of Dudley Edwards art for sale in our Harrogate showroom. Dudley  Edward was part of an elite group in the 'Swinging Sixties' with fellow artists Douglas Binder and David Vaughan, together known as BEV. BEV painted murals in and on houses, customised cars and painted furniture. Including Paul McCartney's iconic piano. They produces the first 'major' light show at the Round House in London with music by Paul McCartney and Jimmy Hendrix.

After leaving BEV Dudley went on to paint murals for the Beatles. During the time of Sergeant Pepper Dudley was painting a car for one of Pauls friends, which was mentioned on the track, 'A Day In The Life.'

In 1995 he decided to join the family business 'AMAZED' which Madeleine, his wife, started a year previous. The rugs and wall hangings are considered fine art and is featured in many public and private collections.

Dudley mainly concentrates on his paintings now, but still finds time for the odd excursion, for example, his latest to photograph The Northen Ballet.

He has devoted a lot of time to drawing with his earlier geometric forms now becoming figurative works; The Throne, Milky Way and many more which can be seen here at Lapicida HQ Harrogate

One of the Pride Of Britain winners, 13 year old Danielle Bailey, at just four years old lost both her legs and hands to meningitis. When Danielle began swimming just 12 months ago, at Hydro Swimming Pool in Harrogate, she was coached by Chris Silverwood Harrogate Borough Council's swimming development manager. In an incredible effort and short period of time Danielle learned to swim at a competitive level and is now heading for the Paralympian Glory! Best of luck to our local star Dannielle, who is an inspiration to us all.

An emotional X Factor this weekend Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa had to pick their final four to go through to the X Factor finals.

This weekend they were at the judges houses. Kelly Rowland and guest Judge, Jennifer Hudson, pictured above, whisked the girls to Miami. The girl's performances stood out, as did the Calacatta Polished Marble stone, which is shown beautifully throughtout Kelly's Miami Home. The clean cut marble with grey, green markings gives a luxurious appearence to the stunning beach pad.

The Empire State Building was built in 1930 to be the tallest structure in the world and was, at that time, considered to be the largest commercial venture ever.

It's back - Downton Abbey. Apart from the joy of watching the first episode of the new series this past weekend it was also wonderful to welcome back to the small screen the other star of the show- the glorious Victorian country house, Highclere Castle.