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, also known as Canal Wharf Mills. These images capture the mill in its later years, a testament to its imposing presence and the passage of time before its tragic destruction by fire.

From these photographs, we can discern the formidable stone structure of the mill, characteristic of the industrial architecture of the Pennine region. Its multi-story facade, punctuated by numerous windows, some sadly broken or boarded up, speaks to a history of industry and the hands that once toiled within its walls. The sheer scale of the building is evident, dominating the landscape and hinting at the significant role it played in the local economy.

One image shows the mill standing proudly alongside the River Calder, which would have been a vital source of power and transport for the mill's operations. The juxtaposition of the weathered stone and the verdant foliage, with trees and undergrowth reclaiming parts of the structure, paints a picture of a building slowly being absorbed back into nature.

Another perspective reveals its prominent roadside position, suggesting its accessibility and importance as a hub of activity. The surrounding landscape, with its characteristic hills and greenery, further emphasizes the mill's integration into the rugged beauty of the Calder Valley.

While the images capture a building in decline, they also hint at its former grandeur and the stories it held within its thick stone walls. Walkley Clog Mill was more than just a building; it was a living piece of local history, a tangible link to the area's clog-making heritage and broader industrial past.

Sadly, this iconic landmark met a devastating end, consumed by fire. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of what was lost, allowing us to reflect on the mill's architectural character, its historical significance, and the enduring legacy of the industries that shaped this corner of West Yorkshire. Though the mill itself is gone, its memory, and the stories embedded in its very foundations, continue to echo through the valley.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 21st July 2018, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below, Your support means a lot!

The pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

The picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

The River Thames: From Woolwich Ferry's Perspective

 There's something uniquely captivating about the River Thames, a historic artery that winds its way through the heart of London. And one of the most intriguing ways to experience its dynamic character is from the deck of the Woolwich Ferry. In April 2016, armed with my trusty Nikon d3300, I had the pleasure of capturing a few moments from this vantage point, revealing different facets of the river and its surroundings.

The first view, looking eastward from the ferry terminal, offered a classic London panorama. Under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds, the river stretched out towards the horizon. The iconic silhouette of the Canary Wharf skyline dominated the distant cityscape, a testament to London's ever-evolving urban landscape. Closer to the shore, the muddy banks at low tide hinted at the river's tidal nature, while a lone vessel navigated the waterways, adding a touch of life to the scene. The low, yellow-tinged wall of the ferry terminal in the foreground served as a constant reminder of our unique position.

Then, as the ferry embarked on its journey, the perspective shifted. Looking eastward from the ferry itself, the glint of sunlight on the water was mesmerizing. The sun, lower in the sky, cast shimmering reflections across the waves, creating a dazzling path of light. The buildings along the river's edge, slightly silhouetted by the brightness, appeared as a continuous urban ribbon, hinting at the bustling life beyond the water's edge. The movement of the ferry created ripples, adding to the dynamic visual of the river.

Finally, a view of the North Shore from the moving ferry presented a different kind of tranquillity. The sun, less direct, allowed for a clearer view of the buildings lining the northern bank. The water here seemed calmer, with broader stretches of deep blue. The presence of other boats, including what appeared to be other ferries or workboats, reinforced the Thames as a working river, constantly in motion. The overall impression was one of vastness and continuity, with the river flowing steadily onward.

These snapshots, taken from the unique vantage point of the Woolwich Ferry, truly capture the essence of the River Thames – a blend of historical grandeur, modern urbanity, natural beauty, and ceaseless activity. It's a journey that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar landmark, and one I highly recommend for anyone looking to see London from a different angle.

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

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the photographs remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Humble Stone Trough: From Useful Work Aid to Ornamental Design.

The stone trough is a familiar sight in many gardens, but its history and uses are surprisingly varied. These troughs were originally used for watering livestock, but they have found a new life in contemporary gardens as planters, birdbaths, and even water features.

Stone troughs are made from a variety of materials, including granite, limestone, and slate. They are often simple in design, with a rectangular or oval basin.

Stone troughs were once an essential part of any farm. They were used to provide livestock with water to drink, and they could also be used to mix feed or to bathe animals. With the advent of modern plumbing, stone troughs have become less common in agriculture.

However, stone troughs have become increasingly popular in recent years as a garden feature. Their timeless design and natural materials make them a perfect complement to any garden style. Stone troughs can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Here are a few ideas:

• Planter: Stone troughs are a great way to add height and interest to a flower bed. They can be planted with a variety of flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs.
• Birdbath: Birds need a place to drink and bathe, and a stone trough can provide the perfect spot. Just be sure to add a few stones to the bottom of the trough so that birds of all sizes can easily reach the water.
• Water feature: A stone trough can be used to create a beautiful and relaxing water feature in your garden. Simply add a small pump and some aquatic plants. The sound of bubbling water can be very soothing.

Stone troughs are a versatile and attractive addition to any garden. With a little creativity, you can find a way to use a stone trough in your own garden.

The 2 pictured below can be found near the township of Warley, in the suburbs of Halifax, West Yorkshire. The lions head trough now more of a garden display than a useful watering aid is on the roadside of Stock Lane heading in to Warley from Highroad Well. The second trough is on Water Hill Lane heading down from Warley towards Sowerby Bridge.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 SLR on the 9th June 2024. They can also be seen on my Clickasnap account and copies can be purchased on various products from my Zazzle Stores.

Clicking either image should open a link in another window to the higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

All the images remain 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.

The pictures below can also be seen un-watermarked on Clickasnap; simply by clicking on any image, a link should open in another window.

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.

 

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the version on Clickasnap.

 

Thanks for looking; please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

 

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Berry Lane Coal Drops, Halifax

 Added to the Victorian Society's top 10 at risk buildings in 2021 the Berry Lane Coal drops have stood overgrown, abandoned and largely forgotten about for several decades. Despite this the drops are thought to be just a few minor repairs from being fully operational again, even though that is unlikely with the phasing out of coal in most industries.

Built in in 1874 by the Ovenden and Halifax Junction Railway, there are a total of 15 drops built into the embankment used to support the former Halifax Station goods yard. Largely unused since the 1970's, they were granted Grade II listed status on the 28th September 1993. You could still approach quite close to the bottom of the structures until the early 2000's when a piece of masonry fell and the council then fenced off the bottom. Plans to convert the drops in to houses was announced in 2004 but never went much further than the proposals.

These pictures were taken on the 22nd June 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera. There are a total of 8 to view below and on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

The spire of Square Church can be seen beyond the drops.

I've always liked how the spire of Square Church, and Halifax Parish Church tower bookend this picture of the drops.

These 2 were taken on top od the drops, I accessed it thru some overgrowth in the Eureka car park.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the Clickasnap version of the image.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Dean Clough Complex, Halifax May 2015

 Dean Clough once the world's largest carpet mill is a mixed use development in Halifax, West Yorkshire. The majority of the buildings that make up the complex are Victorian having been built between 1840 and 1869, having been constructed by the Crossley's family, owners of Crossley's carpets. The first mill is thought to have been constructed in 1802 and the complex took its name from the valley in which it was built. The company moved its headquarters from Halifax to Kidderminster in 1970 and declining sales and competition from cheaper imports led to the Dean Clough site closing in 1982.

In 1983 Sir Ernest Hall and Jonathan Silver bought the complex and established Dean Clough Galleries and Dean Clough Industrial Park. The partnership was not to last with Hall buying Silver's shares the following year and to date he has invested over £20million pounds in redeveloping the Dean Clough complex. The large sheds were demolished to create car parking spaces and over the years the complex has become a hub of over 150 companies calling Dean Clough Home. The site also includes a hotel, leisure facilities, restaurants and the Viaduct Theatre.

The pictures were taken in May 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. There are a total of 17 taken around Dean Clough which can be seen below, in a slideshow on YouTube and Tik Tok, and full size, resolution, and un-watermarked on Clickasnap where copies can also be purchased if required.

All the pictures can be seen in the YouTube slideshow below.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media. All the pictures can be seen and purchased full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap via the link underneath each.

All images remain the copyright of Colin Green.