I wonder if, when they were built, people looked at them with the same horror that some people look at windmills these days. I should add that, visually, I have no problem with modern windmills.
Graham, I suspect that once upon a time - when there were around 2000 windmills on the island - they rather served as a kind of status symbol (everyone wanting their own, and having more than one probably indicating wealth)
They are amazing things to see. We have a small wind generator at our cabin. We live in a protected spot so it doesn't give us much power unless there is a storm. And even then it can shut down of the wind is too strong. - Margy
These old mills were for grinding seed to flour. In many other parts of Sweden, watermills were more common than windmills, and it was more common for one mill to serve many farms than for everyone to have their own. On Öland it seems to have been a bit different, though!
They are beautiful. I wonder what sound they make as they turn? I love the sound of the Southern Cross windmills in Australia. To me it is a comforting sound, the sound of my childhood.
I love that red painty stuff. It is all over the Swedish countryside. I was told it was a by-product of the ? iron smelting industry, so nice. cheap to paint on things. It rubs off on your fingers, I know that! :o)
Kate, the traditional paint is called Falu(n) Red and the real stuff should contain by-products from the copper mines in Falun (in the province of Dalarna).
Lovely windmill captures . Keep commenting in my blog because I love your comments.
ReplyDeleteI really like these old windmills, so different than any I have ever seen
ReplyDeleteI wonder if, when they were built, people looked at them with the same horror that some people look at windmills these days. I should add that, visually, I have no problem with modern windmills.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I suspect that once upon a time - when there were around 2000 windmills on the island - they rather served as a kind of status symbol (everyone wanting their own, and having more than one probably indicating wealth)
DeleteSo very pretty
ReplyDeleteMollyx
Oh, how beautiful! They should be on a magazine cover!! My favorite one is the first.
ReplyDeleteThey are amazing things to see. We have a small wind generator at our cabin. We live in a protected spot so it doesn't give us much power unless there is a storm. And even then it can shut down of the wind is too strong. - Margy
ReplyDeleteThese old mills were for grinding seed to flour. In many other parts of Sweden, watermills were more common than windmills, and it was more common for one mill to serve many farms than for everyone to have their own. On Öland it seems to have been a bit different, though!
DeleteThey are beautiful. I wonder what sound they make as they turn? I love the sound of the Southern Cross windmills in Australia. To me it is a comforting sound, the sound of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteNow you have me wondering too, Pauline. I don't think I've ever seen an old windmill actually used, so have no concept of the sound they made.
DeleteI love that red painty stuff. It is all over the Swedish countryside. I was told it was a by-product of the ? iron smelting industry, so nice. cheap to paint on things. It rubs off on your fingers, I know that! :o)
ReplyDeleteKate, the traditional paint is called Falu(n) Red and the real stuff should contain by-products from the copper mines in Falun (in the province of Dalarna).
DeleteSuch pretty shots.
ReplyDelete