Author: Alan Burnett

Risky Holly

I accept that this might not be an accurate representation of the scene: the lens had an angle wider than a wheat field and the filters came from a paint box. Nevertheless accuracy can be an overvalued characteristic in photography. Taken from Shepherds Thorn Lane (///holly.risky.mutual), looking towards Brighouse and Clifton.

Impressionism Please

I'd like to think of it as an experiment in impressionism, but, in fact, it was the result of a cheap camera, a badly focussed lens, a dark night, and a lot of rain. Those with long memories might recognise the shops around George Square, Halifax fifty years ago.

Fowler’s Cards: 5. Knaresborough

"Been boating on this river on which were several couples affected with the "Spring Complaint". The trees were covered with blossom making it an ideal and quiet rendezvous. Should not mind a visit to Silloth. No reply Carlisle. AP" Like any half decent mystery, the more you delve into Great Uncle Fowler's postcard collection, the … Continue reading Fowler’s Cards: 5. Knaresborough

Two Images: A Duvet Emergency

Two photographs from today remind me that interesting images surround us all the time and all they need is framing. I took the first photograph as I lay in bed this morning enjoying my first cup of tea of the day. I had been banging my head against a brick Wordle, and then somehow managed … Continue reading Two Images: A Duvet Emergency

THREE CROSSINGS

I was attempting to follow the course of the Hebble Brook yesterday as it slunk its way under North Bridge before it gets lost deep beneath the Sainsbury's Car Park. During the course of my explorations I took this photograph which manages to capture three bridges over the anything but mighty river. The first is … Continue reading THREE CROSSINGS

From Novels To Nuptials To Turkey Red Twill

The reverse of this picture postcard of the thoroughly splendid Belle Vue in Halifax contains one of the very earliest examples of an on-line shopping order. “Please get me half a yard of Turkey-red twill” writes Lucy. Belle Vue is a building that many Halifax people of a certain age will be familiar with, as … Continue reading From Novels To Nuptials To Turkey Red Twill

History, Economics, And The Price Of A New Suit

This Halifax advert from 1922 proclaims “the pound buys more at Pinders this Spring!" Such words are unfamiliar to us living at a time when the pound buys less and less. But economics is a strange science - falling prices can be as bad as rising prices. My late, lamented Uncle Frank used to record … Continue reading History, Economics, And The Price Of A New Suit

Friendship Abides At Victoria Hospital, Keighley

The 5th of Fowler Beanland’s old picture postcard provides us with a view of the old Keighley Victoria Hospital. The message on the reverse doesn’t advance our understanding of Fowler Beanland all that much, other than to remind us that friendship abides if distance divides. We have reached the fifth of Fowler Beanland’s postcards and … Continue reading Friendship Abides At Victoria Hospital, Keighley

Filter-Foolerings

This "image" of the old power station near North Bridge, Halifax is a version of a photograph I originally took over fifty-five years ago. I may well have featured this photograph before - if I was half the organised person I should be, I would know - and just in case I had, I thought … Continue reading Filter-Foolerings