I spent most of the 1980s living in Sheffield. The decade and the location are irredeemably linked in my mind: when I think of the 1980s, I think of the decline of heavy industry and cheap buses. When I think of Sheffield, I think of the proud resistance of working class communities and the need … Continue reading Spires And Steel
Mill In Lee Mount
The caption I have for this photograph simply says "Mill In Lee Mount". The mill was obviously in a bad state when I took this photograph over 50 years ago, and I can't be certain whether or not it has survived to this day. The wonderful thing about social media, however, is that someone will … Continue reading Mill In Lee Mount
Blinded By The Light
Sometimes you fall in love with an image: an accident, an unintended click of an unrecognised shutter. The image doesn't seem to make sense: no subjects, no composition, no known meaning. But it sticks in you mind, it occupies your senses like some unwelcome guest. You are blinded by the light.
Memories Of Brid
The image is from a 1950s picture postcard of Bridlington. Neither the details (did cars ever look like that?) nor the colours are particularly realistic, but just seeing them transports me back to family holidays in Bridlington in the early 1950s. If you zoom in far enough you can almost see me and my mother … Continue reading Memories Of Brid
Old Lane (Again)
I know this is very similar to a photo I used last week, but it is a different photograph taken at a different time. It's not a surprise; some views just cry out to be photographed, and I have taken dozens of photos of Old Lane, Halifax over the years. As have many other photographers, … Continue reading Old Lane (Again)
Cousin George
My mother always kept a photograph of her cousin George. By the time I inherited it, it had seen better days, having gathered almost a century's worth of scratches, dust marks, faded patches, and creases. If there is one thing I enjoy, however, it is bringing such old photographs back to life. So welcome back, … Continue reading Cousin George
Wharf Tale
This photograph dates from the mid 1970s when I was living in London. I was particularly fond of the little back streets that lined the south bank of the Thames which, at the time, were full of old warehouses and abandoned wharves. Now they are full of bistros, outrageously expensive apartments and, in the case … Continue reading Wharf Tale
Mondrian In Monochrome
I'm not sure where this is; it has a lot in common with West Yorkshire, but some of the buildings don't seem to fit in, and I have a vague memory of being in South Yorkshire when I took the photo. It doesn't matter precisely where it is - it's the shapes that are captivating … Continue reading Mondrian In Monochrome
Putting On The Ritz
The building that was known by everyone as Brighouse Ritz was destroyed by fire on Saturday. It was a building full of history and a building full of memories. It had seen films, dancing, organ recitals, cabaret, and visits from some of the greats of twentieth-century popular music. It's a sad loss to the town.
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