When I was in Anglesey a couple of weeks ago, I was reminded of those wonderful paintings by Alfred I. Faique. He managed to capture the very essence of the coast so well, which must surely be a sign of a masterly artist.
Month: April 2026
Smokescreen
A photograph of mine from back in the days when smoke and steam swept through the ginnels and industrial waste dyed the becks and brooks. It was taken from Old Lane in Halifax, looking towards the then-mighty Crossley's Carpets Mill. Most of the buildings still exist - the smoke and the steam are long gone.
Under The Tram-Lines
I'm quite fond of this photo of mine - fond of the combination of brutal straight lines and sensuous curves, and fond of the way your eye is taken on a tram-ride of a journey through the scene.
Let’s Face It, AI
AI-driven image restoration programmes are undoubtedly getting more sophisticated, and their use is clearly much more widespread than in the past. However, I still have reservations about how they treat faces. That little extra smoothing and additional touch of colour too often seem to change a recognisable face into something indistinct and slightly foreign. Interestingly, … Continue reading Let’s Face It, AI
Industrial Memories
My less-than-comprehensive negative filing system has this one listed as "Industry, Sheffield, 1980". I have a vague memory of taking the photograph, so I shall call it "Industrial Memories". I like a good chimney, whether it be a West Yorkshire mill or a South Yorkshire chemical works. Give me a good chimney and a bit … Continue reading Industrial Memories
Pub Of The Week – MacSorley’s, Glasgow
This week, my selfless and altruistic campaign to keep the great British pub in business took me north across the border to Glasgow. It was, of course, necessary to sample a good few contenders, but my nomination for Pub of the Week goes to MacSorley's on Jamaica Street. Built on the site of a former … Continue reading Pub Of The Week – MacSorley’s, Glasgow
In Search Of Art
There sometimes comes a point when old photographs become more than just a historical record or a family memory and instead blossom into works of art in their own right. Sometimes this is obvious; other times you have to search for it within the very fabric of the image. Once found, the effort is always … Continue reading In Search Of Art
Glasgow Days
Some years ago, I acquired a small collection of glass negatives - photographs taken in and around Glasgow between the early 1920s and the mid-1930s. Today’s image comes from that collection and shows the University of Glasgow and Kelvingrove Park. It feels especially fitting, because I’m travelling up to Glasgow today to spend a few … Continue reading Glasgow Days
Shoulder Of Mutton
In a single handed attempt to save the fortunes of that threatened institution, the British Pub, I have decided to embark on a series of visits to public houses. Where better to start than the splendid Shoulder of Mutton in Northowram, the village where I grew up? Spreading over three adjoining buildings, parts of the pub … Continue reading Shoulder Of Mutton
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