I know what you're going to say - you're going to say, "You cheat; you've used that photo on your calendar before!. What about 1st August 2024?" . It is not the same image, however. Throughout my life, I have been drawn to Bank Bottom in Halifax, like Canaletto was drawn to Venice and Cézanne … Continue reading The Sirens Of The Gas Works
Author: Alan Burnett
The Quiet, Rhythmic Beauty Of Cleethorpes
There is a quiet, rhythmic beauty to the seaside that only reveals itself when the tide retreats, and this photograph captures that fleeting interval with striking architectural precision. The image is framed through the industrial skeleton of a Victorian-style pier, using the heavy, dark ironwork as a literal and metaphorical lens through which we view … Continue reading The Quiet, Rhythmic Beauty Of Cleethorpes
What’s In The Parcel?
This is a picture of my Uncle John and Auntie Doris, taken 75 years ago. I have lived with this picture all of my life - seeing it as a child, sticking out of crumbling photo albums; as an adult, confined to cardboard boxes of family memories; and as an old man, where it has … Continue reading What’s In The Parcel?
Faique News
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.
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
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