Astonishing architectural wood carving

[Rhossydd]

I haven't seen this mentioned here before, but anyone that likes wood carving ought to stop by at the Hindu Temple in Neasden, North London if they're ever passing.
The scale and complexity of the carving is astonishing. I doubt there's anything quite like it in the UK. Not the genius of Gibbons perhaps, but the scale and volume is incredible.
The stone carving in the inner sanctum also has to be seen to be believed.

Admission is free and most days there's plenty of free parking too. Be prepared for their entry conditions, no photography, phones, bags and you'll need to leave your shoes in their storage so wear nice socks.
They also have an excellent restaurant in the car park that gets a mention in The Good Food guide.

Their web site has more details http://londonmandir.baps.org/the-haveli ... hitecture/

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It's amazing how much work you can get done for very little money when you pay under the minimum wage.
(just an observation - it in no way detracts from the skill of the people involved)

 

[Harbo]

I've only seen it from a distance but have seen ones similar in India.
I think the pieces were carved in India and shipped over here?

Rod

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Maybe some was, but they were actually taken to court for using what was basically imported slave labour.

 

[Rhossydd]

Maybe some was, but they were actually taken to court for using what was basically imported slave labour.

Who won ? I can't find a reference to this easily on the internet.

The difficulty with a 'minimum wage' is that it has to be based on your place of residence.
If I work in Scandinavia I get paid UK rates which are lower than local rates, if I work in a third world country like India I still get paid UK rates, local rates would be a pittance in comparison and I wouldn't step on the plane.
From what I've read the workers brought over temporarily to work at Neasden were paid acceptably by their own standards, but yes nothing like a UK rate.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Iirc they lost.

 

[Rhossydd]

Iirc they lost.

Not such a great tabloid headline is it ? 'No one exploited'

 

[Phil Pascoe]

No, I meant the employers lost. The workers were deemed exploited. (iirc!)

 

[disco_monkey79]

We visited the temple yesterday. As per the OP, it's stunning. I felt humbled by the skill that had gone in to it. Well worth a look, and the staff were very welcoming.