Set In Stone

You could walk to the top of Shaw Lane in Halifax today and take a photograph similar to this one. I took mine almost half a century ago, but the mills are still standing and the cobbles are still set in the road. The stonework is cleaner these days, and that sense of post-industrial abandonment … Continue reading Set In Stone

Peter Howell

We lost a dear friend of over fifty years last week. Peter Howell was a noted classicist, a distinguished architectural historian, and a former chair of the Victorian Society. Perhaps most of all, he was a wise, witty, and loyal friend. This has always been one of my favourite photographs of him. I took it … Continue reading Peter Howell

Rough Sleeping

While walking around Greyfriars Kirkyard, I came across the tomb of William Littil (1525–1601), who was Provost of Edinburgh and one of the founders of the University of Edinburgh. The tomb’s elaborate carving was not completed until some eighty years after his death, and it has clearly seen better days. The additional head appears to … Continue reading Rough Sleeping

Cheers

Whenever I visit Edinburgh, I try to make time to visit the Queen Street rooms of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. I've been a member for more than thirty years, and tonight I'll have the pleasure of taking my son and daughter-in-law there for a meal. With any luck, we'll also have time for a … Continue reading Cheers

Auld Reekie

I've gone to Edinburgh for a few days. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to take some photographs. Here's one I took earlier.

Gone Shopping For History

I know this photo was taken before my time - though, I have to admit, not that much before my time - but I can still identify with the shopfronts on Crown Street, Halifax. H. Samuel was selling lucky wedding rings, Dolcis was helping to give Crown Street its name - “shoe shop street” - and Boots … Continue reading Gone Shopping For History

Facing Up To Halifax

Someone told me the other evening that I was responsible for them looking up whenever they walked around Halifax. As long as one keeps half an eye out for dangerous lampposts, this is a habit to be encouraged. Here’s a little test for all potential building spotters: where would you find this particular version of … Continue reading Facing Up To Halifax

Sing, Sing, Sing

This is one of my photographs from my time helping out at Marsden Jazz Festival twenty years ago. Sometimes an image is enough - you don't need words. Add music to taste.