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.

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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.

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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.

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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. Clicking either of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Asquith Bottom Mill: A Sowerby Bridge Survivor

The former Asquith Bottom Mill in Sowerby Bridge stands as a powerful testament to the region's industrial past, a hulking monument of brick and stone that has adapted to the changing times. These images, taken in April 2017, capture the mill complex in its current state as a mixed-use industrial estate, a fascinating blend of old and new.

A Legacy of Industry

Asquith Bottom Mill has a rich history, serving various purposes over the years, from a carpet mill to a wire and woollen mill. It was originally built by the Edlestons family, a name that many locals will recall with fondness. For those who grew up in the area during the 1980s, the sight of a vibrant red neon sign bearing the Edlestons name across the roof is a cherished memory, a beacon of a bygone era that has sadly since been removed. The mill's closure in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked the end of a significant chapter for the area.

The photographs from 2017 reveal the sheer scale and character of the mill. The wide-angle shot shows the full facade of the main building, its rows of large, multi-paned windows a classic feature of mill architecture. The lower buildings in the foreground, with cars parked alongside, indicate the complex's modern function, a bustling hub for various businesses.

A Walk Through Time

Walking through the mill complex is like stepping into a living museum. One of the images captures a narrow ginnel or alleyway that runs between two buildings, with an overhead passageway connecting them. This architectural feature, common in industrial complexes of this size, speaks to a time when goods and people needed to move efficiently between different parts of the mill.

The details are what truly tell the story. A photograph of the building's exterior, shot at an upward angle, highlights the patina of age on the stone and the faded, closed-off windows, some of which still have their original frames. Another striking image, a black and white shot with a splash of red, focuses on a set of external stairs. These "red stairs," a pop of colour against the otherwise monochrome backdrop of the brickwork, lead up the side of one of the buildings, a dramatic and eye-catching feature that evokes a sense of both the mill's grand past and its slow, inevitable decline.

Asquith Bottom Mill, much like the surrounding landscape of Sowerby Bridge, is a symbol of resilience. It is a place that has not been forgotten but has been given a new purpose, a place where the echoes of industrial looms and the footsteps of mill workers still linger, even as new businesses thrive within its walls. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of its past and a celebration of its enduring legacy.

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

A vibrant memory from the mill's past stands in stark contrast to its present-day industrial hustle. Where the cars now sit parked in front of the mill, there once was a lush bowling green, a green oasis across the River Ryburn. The most striking change, however, was the mill's rooftop. For years, the building was crowned with a brilliant red neon sign that proudly displayed the W.M. Edlestons name—a familiar, glowing landmark that lit up the Sowerby Bridge skyline.

Once, goods and materials were hoisted to and from these doorways, but now, a lone hoist support juts out from the old brickwork, a silent reminder of the mill’s industrious past.

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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The Forgotten Giants: Halifax's Berry Lane Coal Drops

Tucked away on a steep embankment in Halifax, a series of crumbling stone arches stands as a silent sentinel to a bygone industrial era. These are the Berry Lane Coal Drops, a striking piece of Victorian engineering that, for decades, has been largely forgotten and left to the forces of nature. Their story is one of a once-vital industrial machine, a fall into disuse, and a modern struggle for survival.

A Legacy of the Rails

Built in 1874 by the Ovenden and Halifax Junction Railway, the drops were a critical piece of the town's industrial infrastructure. Imagine the scene: steam trains from the Halifax Station goods yard would chug along the elevated track, stopping directly above these arches. They would unload coal into a system of 15 drops, each a funnel-like chute designed to transfer coal directly into waiting horse-drawn carts below. The entire system was an ingenious solution to the challenges of moving bulk goods in a hilly landscape, using gravity to streamline the process.

The drops were a bustling hub of activity for nearly a century, but as with so much of Britain's industrial past, their time came to an end. They were largely abandoned in the 1970s as coal's role in industry and heating diminished. The tracks fell silent, the chutes became redundant, and nature began to reclaim the magnificent stone structures.

A Fight for Survival

The Berry Lane Coal Drops are now a poignant symbol of a broader conservation struggle. In 2021, they were added to the Victorian Society's Top 10 at Risk Buildings list, a stark reminder of their precarious state. Despite their overgrown and abandoned appearance, the drops are remarkably intact. Experts believe they are just a few minor repairs away from being fully operational, a bittersweet thought given that their original purpose is now obsolete.

In a curious twist of fate, their Grade II listed status, granted on September 28, 1993, has offered them some protection, preventing their demolition but not necessarily their decay. A plan in 2004 to convert them into houses was proposed, but like many hopeful visions for these old structures, it never came to fruition. A falling piece of masonry in the early 2000s led the council to fence off the bottom, further isolating these grand arches from public view.

Today, the Berry Lane Coal Drops exist in a state of limbo. They are monuments to Halifax's industrious past, overgrown with trees and plants that have taken root in their stone crevices. Their story is a powerful one, highlighting the challenge of preserving our industrial heritage in a world that has moved on. They stand as a silent, beautiful testament to the power of Victorian engineering and a desperate call for a new purpose before time, and neglect, take their final toll.

I took these pictures on the 22nd June 2014 with a Polaroid is2132 camera. clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

From Loom to Legacy: The Unfolding Story of Dean Clough

Step back in time to the heart of Halifax, West Yorkshire, and you'll find a monumental testament to Britain's industrial past: Dean Clough Mills. Today, it's a bustling hub of commerce, arts, and culture, but its origins are rooted in the very fabric of the Industrial Revolution. This isn't just a collection of old buildings; it's a living museum, a phoenix risen from the ashes of a bygone era.

The Crossley's Carpet Kingdom

In its heyday, Dean Clough was home to a globally dominant enterprise. Built by the Crossley family, who founded Crossley's Carpets, the complex expanded rapidly between 1840 and 1869. The first mill was built in 1802, and the family's foresight and ambition transformed a small valley into an industrial powerhouse. At one point, Dean Clough was the largest carpet mill in the world. Imagine the sheer scale: thousands of workers, the rhythmic clatter of looms, and mountains of wool and yarn being transformed into carpets that graced homes across the globe. The mills were more than just a workplace; they were the lifeblood of the local community. The sheer size of the buildings, as seen in the photos, hints at the immense scale of this operation.

Decline and Rebirth

The golden age of Dean Clough wouldn't last forever. In 1970, Crossley's Carpets moved its headquarters to Kidderminster, a sign of changing times. Faced with declining sales and fierce competition from cheaper imports, the looms fell silent for good in 1982, leaving a massive, derelict site. It could've been the end of the story, with the buildings left to decay like so many others from that era. However, a remarkable transformation was on the horizon.

In 1983, two visionaries, Sir Ernest Hall and Jonathan Silver, saw potential where others saw ruin. They bought the complex and set about turning it into the Dean Clough Galleries and Industrial Park. While their partnership was short-lived, with Sir Ernest Hall taking the reins a year later, his commitment has been unwavering. To date, he has invested over £20 million into the redevelopment. The vast, empty sheds were repurposed into essential parking spaces, and the Victorian buildings were meticulously restored. The resulting space is now a vibrant mixed-use development.

Modern-Day Marvels

Today, Dean Clough is a thriving ecosystem. Over 150 companies have made it their home, ranging from small start ups to established businesses. But its purpose extends far beyond commerce. The complex now features a hotel, leisure facilities, restaurants, and the renowned Viaduct Theatre. This blending of old and new is what makes Dean Clough so captivating. The imposing brickwork of the old mills now stands alongside modern infrastructure, creating a unique and compelling architectural landscape. The presence of the large, metal sheep sculpture adds a touch of quirky art that pays homage to the site's wool and textile history.

The redevelopment of Dean Clough is a shining example of how industrial heritage can be preserved and repurposed for the 21st century. It's a reminder that even when an industry dies, its spirit can live on, transforming a relic of the past into a beacon of the future. The next time you find yourself in Halifax, take a walk through Dean Clough. You'll be treading the same paths where a global empire was built, and witnessing a legacy that continues to unfold.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera in May 2015, clicking on any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

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

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 images remain the copyright of Colin Green.