Halifax does stone well. The railway viaduct could be part of a Roman amphitheatre, and the mill could be the business end of a Gothic cathedral. The wall could be an early stone version of Tetris, and the chimney part of a Gormley sculpture. And there, in the background, is the source of it all … Continue reading Stone
Tag: Halifax
THE CLEAR OUT
I remember coming across this scene whilst walking, up Southowram I think, well over 50 years ago. It was almost as though someone had set out the various objects with a composition in mind. I like to think that the pictures were priceless antiques. I left them there.
SUNNY VALE
I know these are supposed to be 1001 Photos I took before I died, but I can't be absolutely certain whether I took this or my brother did. It was the late 60s and Sunny Vale Pleasure Gardens were already in terminal decline - as this picture of one of the boating lakes shows.
Fading Into Vagueness
I can just about remember taking this photograph, which is not bad as it was more than half a century ago. I was standing at Stump Cross looking up Godley Lane towards Halifax. I can't remember why I took it, however, such detail fades into vagueness - just like the photo.
Paris, Halifax
Another of my photos from that walk down Boys Lane, Halifax forty-odd years ago. The wonderful Shears Inn is still going strong and always well worth a visit. Paris Gates sounds a romantic location, but I understand it was originally known as the slightly more prosaic "Parish Gates".
Colourful Calderdale
Another image from my brother's new book "The Calderdale Portfolio". A very colourful Sowerby Bridge Wharf with the iconic Wainhouse Tower in the background. The full book can be downloaded from his website : https://studiopublications.org
Muck, Soot And Industry
Other places commission large-scale public sculptural projects, be they Kelpies, Angels or cast iron paddlers on Crosby sands. We don't need them here in Halifax, we still have a host of monumental obelisks in praise of muck, steam, soot and industry. Halifax shapes.
No Melange
I took this photo in Halifax over 50 years ago. Then it was soot, steam and slubbing: grey mills against a grey background. Now it's all serviced offices and digital capabilities - not a dyed mixed fibre in sight.
Stone History
Few history books compare with a Yorkshire stone wall. There is everything there, from the sandstone of ancient rivers and streams to the carved geometry of hillside stone quarries. There's sculptured trimmings of fine country houses and there's ingrained soot of mills and factories. All children should spend at least one day of their school … Continue reading Stone History
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