Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts

Sunday, 6 December 2020

From My Postcard Collection: A Glimpse of Van Gogh's "Fishing Boats on the Beach"

 Part of a series of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh created in June 1888, when he took a trip to the area from Arles where he was then living. He was there for a week long trip to recover from health problems he had suffered from at the time.

There's something uniquely captivating about postcards. They are not just pieces of paper; they are miniature time capsules, carrying images and messages across distances, often hinting at stories far beyond their printed surface. Today, I wanted to share a particularly evocative postcard from my collection, depicting a scene that might be familiar to art lovers: "Fishing Boats on the Beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer."

As a collector, I'm always drawn to the stories behind the images, and this one certainly has a rich one. This vibrant scene of fishing boats resting on the shore, with the sea stretching out to the horizon, immediately brings to mind the unmistakable brushwork of Vincent van Gogh. And indeed, a quick delve into its history confirms its origin.

The painting, also known by the longer title "Fishing Boats on the Beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer," captures a moment in time from Van Gogh's stay in the south of France. What makes this piece, and this postcard reproduction, even more fascinating are Van Gogh's own words about its creation.

He famously described his experience to his brother, Theo, shedding light on his artistic process and his deep connection to the subjects he chose:

"I made the drawing of the boats when I left very early in the morning, and I am now working on a painting based on it, a size 30 canvas with more sea and sky on the right. It was before the boats hastened out, I had watched them every morning, but as they leave very early I didn't have time to paint them."

This quote offers such an intimate glimpse into the artist's world. Imagine Van Gogh, an early riser, observing these boats day after day, their silhouettes against the dawn sky, the rhythm of the fishermen preparing for their journeys. He was so keen to capture this fleeting moment, this daily ritual, that he sketched them before they even had a chance to set sail. The painting, then, became a more considered, developed interpretation of those initial, hurried observations.

Looking at this postcard, you can almost feel the morning light, hear the gentle lapping of the waves, and sense the quiet anticipation before the day's work truly begins. It's a testament to Van Gogh's ability to imbue everyday scenes with profound emotion and vivid life.

This little piece of art, tucked away in my collection, serves as a beautiful reminder of an artist's dedication, the allure of the sea, and the simple beauty of a fishing village waking up. It's moments like these, discovering the narrative behind a simple image, that truly make collecting postcards such a rewarding hobby.

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Friday, 22 March 2019

A Winter's Tale at Willow Hall Dam

Looking back a year, I'm reflecting on a set of pictures I captured at Willow Hall Dam in Sowerby Bridge. The winter of 2018 felt like it would never end, delivering snow and cold seemingly endlessly. Now, after a much milder UK winter, I can honestly say I have no nostalgia for how truly awful the weather was! It's funny how a few inches of snow can bring the entire country to a standstill, isn't it? We Brits do have a unique obsession with the weather, even when it's just a bit out of the ordinary.


More Than Just a Dam

Willow Hall Dam is actually two distinct bodies of water. The lower dam serves as a popular fishing lake, while the upper one, looking somewhat overgrown, primarily feeds it. I'm not entirely sure of the dam's original purpose, but with a number of now-vanished mills nearby, I'd hazard a guess it was once crucial for powering local industry.

Surrounded by woodland on three sides, the dam is a favourite spot for locals out walking their dogs. Dam Head Road runs directly across the top of the dam, with terraced housing flanking both sides of the dam head, adding to the picturesque, quintessentially British landscape.

These particular photos were taken on the 18th of March, 2018, using my Nikon D3300 SLR camera. Despite the lingering winter chill, there's a certain beauty to the stark, snow-dusted scenery. It's a reminder of a winter that certainly made its mark, even if we're all happier with the milder weather this year!

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.













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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sunday, 18 March 2018

Willow Hall Dam: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, lies Willow Hall Dam, a tranquil haven for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. While its modest size might suggest a simple fishing spot, Willow Hall Dam holds a rich history and a surprising diversity of aquatic life, making it a truly captivating destination.

Operated by the Bradford No. 1 Angling Association, Willow Hall Dam offers a peaceful escape for those seeking a day of fishing. A small fee is required, granting you access to a well-stocked lake teeming with a variety of species. Imagine casting your line and patiently waiting for a bite, knowing that roach, perch, ide, bream, chub, and the ever-elusive pike lurk beneath the surface. But perhaps the most intriguing residents are the two catfish, confirmed by the Fish Around website, adding an unexpected twist to the lake's ecosystem. With approximately 18 pegs available, the dam ensures a comfortable and uncrowded fishing experience.

What many may not realize is that Willow Hall Dam is actually comprised of two distinct bodies of water. The upper lake, often overlooked, serves a crucial role as a barrier, intercepting the feeder streams that cascade down from the surrounding hills. This upper lake, hidden from the main fishing activity, acts as a natural filter and reservoir, contributing to the health of the lower, more popular lake. The lower lake, the primary focus for anglers, offers a picturesque setting for a day of relaxation and sport.

Surrounding the lakes is a lush woodland, a haven for local wildlife. The tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves, creating a truly immersive natural experience. The dam's idyllic setting provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The history of Willow Hall Dam is inextricably linked to the now-vanished Willow Hall Mills complex. Only the dam remains, a silent testament to the area's industrial past. The mill, once a thriving hub of activity, has been replaced by the modern housing estate of Bentley Mount. Notably, Willow Hall Mills holds a place in history as the first mill in Britain to be illuminated by gas lighting, a pioneering achievement that highlights the site's significance.

The accompanying images, captured on a crisp December 26th, 2013, using a humble Samsung Galaxy Tablet, offer a glimpse into the dam's tranquil beauty. While the technology may have been simple, the images convey the serene atmosphere and the natural charm of the location. These photographs can also be found on Clickasnap, allowing you to visually explore the dam's allure.

Willow Hall Dam is more than just a fishing lake; it's a slice of history, a natural sanctuary, and a testament to the enduring beauty of the Calder Valley. Whether you're an avid angler, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Willow Hall Dam offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its hidden depths, both literal and historical, continue to captivate and inspire. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.











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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Remembering Walkley Clog Mill (Canal Wharf Mills)

Nestled between the bustling towns of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, a silent sentinel of the industrial past once stood: Walkley Clog Mill,...