Skies Over Old Kent Road: A Glimpse of the Everyday Sublime

 There's something uniquely captivating about the skies above London. Even in the most urban of settings, where concrete and industry dominate the landscape, moments of unexpected beauty can emerge. This shot, taken On Verney Road, a short walk off the bustling Old Kent Road, perfectly encapsulates that feeling.

At first glance, it's a typical industrial backdrop. We see the silhouette of a chimney stack reaching skyward, a testament to the area's working-class heritage and ongoing activity. To the right, the skeletal frame of a crane hints at development and change – a constant in this ever-evolving city. And of course, the dark, angular roofline of a building grounds the scene, providing a sense of scale.

But then, your eyes lift, and the magic happens. The expansive sky, a canvas of soft blues and gentle greys, stretches out above. A lone aeroplane, a tiny speck against the vastness, slices through the air, leaving a crisp white contrail in its wake. This fleeting line, a temporary scar on the heavens, speaks of journeys, connections, and the invisible pathways that crisscross our world.

It's a reminder that even amidst the grit and grime of city life, there are always elements of grace and grandeur. The sky, unburdened by the earthly structures below, offers a sense of freedom and perspective. It's a place where dreams take flight, quite literally, and where the mundane can momentarily transform into something profound.

Next time you're navigating the familiar chaos of the Old Kent Road, take a moment to look up. You might just catch your own glimpse of the everyday sublime.

I took this picture with a Nikon d3300 on the 28th April 2016, clicking it should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

Asquith Bottom Mill, Sowerby Bridge April 2017

I previously pictured some of Asquith Bottom Mill in 2013 and posted these pictures earlier, the pictures below were taken in April 2017 with a Nikon d3300.

Asquith Bottom Mills is a mixed-use industrial estate at Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, built up around a former (depending on the era) carpet, wire, and woollen mill. The mill was originally built by William Edlestons, and I still remember the red neon sign with their name across the roof during the 1980s (sadly now gone). I believe they closed during the late 1980's and early 1990's.

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The front of the mill used to feature a bowling green where the cars were parked across the River Ryburn. The top of the building used to feature a WM Edlestons sign lit up in red.

The doorways used to provide access so goods could be moved up and down, but the hoist support is still sticking out of the building.

This picture was taken from the Norland hillside towards the back of the building. I don't imagine other than for safety checks that fire escape has been used in many years.

 

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Canal Wharf Saw Mills: A Story of Industry, Fire, and Redevelopment

Canal Wharf Saw Mills, built in 1851, occupied a prominent location in Hebden Royd, West Yorkshire, nestled between Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge. Its position alongside the A646 Burnley Road, the Rochdale Canal, and the River Calder proved both advantageous and detrimental. While the waterways facilitated transportation during its industrial heyday, they also subjected the mill to repeated flooding, ultimately contributing to its decline.

Originally a working sawmill, the site later became home to the renowned Walkley Clogs. Tragedy struck in 1990 when an arson attack caused significant fire damage. The mill was subsequently refurbished and transformed into a popular tourist attraction, featuring a clog-making visitor center and various craft shops. However, the influx of visitors created traffic congestion, and despite several attempts, planning applications for necessary road improvements were repeatedly rejected. This ultimately led to the closure of the tourist attraction in the late 1990s.

The mill then sat vacant, a target for various redevelopment proposals, primarily for apartments. Each application, however, was denied due to concerns about flooding, access, and inadequate parking. The final blow came in 2019 when another devastating fire ravaged the already dilapidated structure, leading to its demolition shortly thereafter.

For nearly two years, the cleared site remained empty. Recently, however, planning permission has been granted for the construction of residential housing, marking a new chapter in the history of this once-bustling industrial location.

These photographs, captured on November 24, 2013, with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, document the mill in its abandoned state before the final fire and demolition. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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 The following 3 pictures belong to a friend of mine who viewed the mill in 2015/16.