A Tower of Passion: The Story Behind the Lumbutts Mill Water Tower Artwork

 Every piece of art tells a story, and this one is no different. My artwork of the Lumbutts Mill Water Tower is not just a depiction of a building; it's a conversation with history, a tribute to the passionate struggles that once defined this landscape.

The vibrant sunset colour scheme wasn't chosen at random. It's a deliberate artistic choice, a nod to the area's powerful and often turbulent past. The bold oranges and fiery reds are a direct reference to the 1838 Mankinholes Riots. The passion and fury of those events—fuelled by social and economic hardship—are symbolized in the intense, glowing light that seems to emanate from the tower itself. It's meant to evoke a feeling of simmering unrest and raw emotion.

The piece is a bridge between then and now. The Lumbutts Mill Water Tower, a sturdy structure that has witnessed decades of change, now stands as a quiet monument. By bathing it in the colours of a tumultuous sunset, the artwork gives the impression of a passion that still lingers in the air, a reminder that the history of this place is carved not just in stone, but in the spirit of the people who lived and fought here.

This isn't just a picture of a tower; it’s a representation of a moment in time, a feeling, and a history that deserves to be remembered. It’s a visual reminder that even the most stoic structures can hold within them the echo of human passion.

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The picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

A Walk Along the Waterways: Exploring the River Calder and Calder & Hebble Navigation

Sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are found right on our doorstep. On a crisp day in late March 2019, with my trusty Nikon D3300 in hand, I set out to explore the waterways that wind their way through Brighouse and its surroundings. The goal was simple: to capture the essence of the River Calder and the Calder & Hebble Navigation as they unfolded before me.

The journey began near the heart of Brighouse, where the River Calder meets the navigation at the Calder & Hebble Junction. The water here seemed to hold a mirror to the world, reflecting the bare branches of the trees and the sturdy, red-brick buildings that line the banks. It’s a place where industrial heritage and natural beauty coexist—a reminder of the area’s rich history.

Moving away from the town, the landscape began to shift. The path became a quiet haven, a tranquil corridor flanked by trees, their reflections dancing on the surface of the water. At a spot near Cromwell Bottom, the setting sun cast a golden glow, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. The whole scene felt peaceful and timeless, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Further on, the walk brought me to some of the engineering marvels of the navigation. The Calder & Hebble Navigation under the M62 motorway is a study in contrasts. The colossal concrete pillars supporting the roaring traffic above loom large over the calm water below. It’s a powerful juxtaposition of modern infrastructure and the historical, slow-paced world of the canal.

At Brookfoot, the path became even more secluded, with lush greenery and overhanging trees creating a natural archway. I spotted a small waterfall cascading gently, adding to the soothing sounds of the water. This spot, at the Brookfoot Lock, felt particularly serene. The lock itself, with its black and white gates and the stone lock house, felt like a scene from another era, a testament to the hard work and ingenuity that shaped this landscape.

My journey on this day was a reminder of the simple joys of observation. Armed with my camera, I wasn't just walking; I was seeing. I saw the sun glinting off the river in Brighouse, the subtle play of light and shadow, the powerful presence of the M62, and the peaceful stillness of the canal. Each photograph tells a small part of the story of these waterways, and together, they paint a picture of a landscape that is both beautiful and full of history.

It's amazing what you can discover when you take the time to look closely. I hope these images inspire you to take your own walk along a local path and see what stories you can find.

The pictures below are displayed in no particular order from the walk, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Calder & Hebble Navigation towards Ganny Foot Lock

The Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brookfoot bend.

Brookfoot Lock on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

The M62 Motorway over the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brighouse.

Calder & Hebble at Cromwell Bottom.

The junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and River Calder at Brighouse.

The River Calder at Brighouse.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Discovering the Ryburn: A Journey Through Time and Nature

 The River Ryburn, a quiet yet powerful force, carves a path through the heart of West Yorkshire. From its source high in the Pennine hills above Baitings Reservoir, it travels approximately seven miles, nourished by 12 tributaries, until it concludes its journey by merging with the River Calder near Sowerby Bridge.

The route of the Ryburn is a tapestry of history and natural beauty, flowing through or near the villages of Rishworth, Ripponden, Kebroyd, and Triangle. As it winds its way downstream, it passes underneath 13 bridges, each a testament to human ingenuity and a connection between the communities it serves.

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The Final Mile: Where Nature and Industry Collide

These images, captured in October 2013, focus on the final leg of the river's journey, from Watson Mill Lane to its dramatic meeting with the River Calder. This stretch offers a unique glimpse into a landscape where nature and industrial heritage coexist.

One image captures the river flowing under the imposing Sowerby Bridge Viaduct. The weathered stone of the viaduct's arches stands as a silent witness to a bygone era of steam and rail, while the dark, churning water below shows the river's unceasing energy. This spot, where the river meets the railway, perfectly encapsulates Sowerby Bridge's character—a place defined by both its natural setting and its industrial past.

Further upstream, near Watson Mill Lane, the river adopts a more serene and natural feel. Here, the banks are lush with trees and foliage, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. The riverbed, scattered with rocks and pebbles, hints at the river's journey over time, carving and shaping the landscape. In another photo, a group of geese and ducks glide peacefully on the water, a stark contrast to the lively, cascading waters further downstream.

The images offer a moment of quiet reflection, showing us not only the physical river but also the life it supports and the history it has flowed through. The Ryburn, while small in stature, plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and the lives of the people who live along its banks.

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A Photographic Time Capsule

Shot on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, these photos serve as a digital time capsule. They remind us that the most powerful images often don't require the most sophisticated equipment. Instead, they need a keen eye and an appreciation for the world around us. These snapshots from over a decade ago invite us to consider how the river has changed and how it remains the same.

The River Ryburn is more than just a waterway; it is a vital part of the West Yorkshire landscape, carrying with it stories of nature, industry, and community. Next time you're near Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to walk along its banks. You might just discover your own story waiting to be told.

These pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in October 2013. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Geese and ducks in the River at Victoria Bridge

The Ryburn flowing in to the River Calder from underneath Sowerby Bridge railway viaduct, the former bridges bar can be seen on the right, as of September 2022 this is being demolished having stood empty for a number of years.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Silent Witness on Stocks Lane: The Forgotten Horse Trough of Luddenden

In the charming, ancient village of Luddenden, a small stone structure on Stocks Lane tells a story of a world long gone. At first glance, it might look like a simple, overgrown planter built into a stone wall. But this is no ordinary garden feature; it is a stone horse trough, a silent, weathered monument to the days when horsepower meant exactly that.

Before the age of the automobile, these troughs were a vital part of the landscape. They were strategically placed in towns and villages across the country to provide water for horses, dogs, and sometimes even cattle. Today, most have vanished, removed as they became obsolete. The fact that a dozen or so still survive in the Calderdale district is a testament to their enduring construction and a poignant reminder of a time when the rhythm of life was measured by hoofbeats, not horsepower.

When the photos were taken in October 2013, the trough on Stocks Lane was a perfect example of this forgotten history. It was largely overgrown, with soil, bushes, and plants reclaiming the space where water once flowed freely. The trough was no longer fed by a steady stream, its purpose having faded into memory. But look closer, and a fascinating detail emerges. Tucked away at the back of the trough is a worn stone engraving. It is a tribute to William Patchett, a local carpenter and undertaker. The inscription also includes the year 1861 and the word "surveyor," leaving us with a small historical mystery. Was the inscription a memorial to a man who had passed away that year? Or was it a thank you to him for providing such a crucial resource to the community? We may never know the full story, but the inscription adds a deeply personal layer to this forgotten structure. The stone horse trough on Stocks Lane is a beautiful and simple piece of local history. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary objects from the past can hold compelling stories, if only we take the time to look for them. It stands as a quiet tribute to the animals that once worked these streets and the people who built our communities, one stone at a time.

Clicking on 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.

Timeless Beauty: The Watermill at Ixworth

There's a certain magic to an old watermill. It speaks of a time when life moved at a different pace, powered by the gentle, tireless flow of a river. The watermill at Ixworth, Suffolk, is one such place, a beautifully preserved piece of history that seems to exist outside of time.

This image, with its painterly, almost impressionistic quality, captures the mill's rustic charm. The weathered timber siding and the solid stone foundation tell a story of centuries of hard work and quiet endurance. You can almost hear the rhythmic groan of the mill wheel and the rush of water as it turns. The soft, muted colors and the textured feel of the photograph give it the quality of an old painting, as if it were a scene plucked from a history book and brought to life.

Surrounded by lush green foliage and golden grasses, the mill blends seamlessly into the Suffolk countryside. The small bridge leading to the main building invites you to cross, to step into a world of simple, rural life. It's a reminder of a time before modern machinery, when communities relied on the power of nature to grind their grain and sustain their lives.

This image is a tranquil escape, a moment of peace and reflection. It reminds us of the importance of preserving these historical treasures, not just as buildings but as living testaments to our past.

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Hebden Bridge: A Journey Through Time and Transformation

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a unique township, historically encompassing the areas of Erringden, Heptonstall, Stansfield, and Wadsworth. Its very essence is intertwined with water, as it's the point where the River Calder gracefully meets the Colden and Hebden waters. These flowing arteries were instrumental in the town's growth, particularly with the boom of the cotton spinning industries that once defined its industrious character.

The town's intriguing name has its roots in its origins as a fording point across Hebden Water. This crucial crossing was eventually replaced by a sturdy packhorse bridge in 1510, a testament to the town's early importance as a thoroughfare. Further enhancing its connectivity, the Rochdale Canal arrived in the 1790s, followed by the opening of the railway in 1841, firmly integrating Hebden Bridge into the burgeoning transportation networks of the era.

However, the tide of industry began to turn in the 1950s and 60s, as Hebden Bridge's cotton spinning industries gradually declined. This shift paved the way for a remarkable transformation. By the 1970s, the town earned a new, vibrant identity as a "hippy town." An influx of artists, writers, photographers, musicians, and those embracing green and new-age philosophies breathed new life into the area, converting many of the unused industrial buildings into creative spaces and homes.

Today, Hebden Bridge stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention. It has blossomed into a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its bohemian charm, independent shops, and stunning natural surroundings. It also attracts a new wave of residents who appreciate its unique character and community spirit, many of whom commute to the nearby vibrant cities of Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield.

The images shared below, captured on November 16, 2013, with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, offer a glimpse into the enduring beauty of Hebden Bridge. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

West End Bridge.
Built in 1772 along with the new turnpike as a replacement for the old
packhorse bridge further north. The bridge was widened
in 1835.

Weir on Hebden Water.
The weir will have been used to power the nearby
Cotton Spinning mills.

Hebden Water.
Taken looking south towards West End Bridge from the top of the
Old Packhorse Bridge.

Nutclough Mills.
Built alongside Hebden Water in 1791.

The Old Packhorse Bridge.
Pictured from St George's Bridge along Hebden Water.
The fording point used to be along this stretch that the bridge was built
to replace. This bridge opened in 1510 replaced an earlier timber bridge.
That bridge was somewhere between where I was stood and the 
old Packhorse Bridge.

The Old Packhorse Bridge and White Swan,
The bridge was built in 1510, it is still accessible to pedestrians.
The White Swan opened in the 1770's and was originally known as
Bridge End.

St George's Bridge and Bridge Mill.
Bridge Mill also known as St George's Square was built as a corn mill
in the 14th Century, it is ones of Hebden Bridge's oldest buildings.
Discussions were had in the 1970's about demolishing the mill but
thankfully this came to nothing, it is now home to a number of shops and cafe's.

St George's Bridge and the Shoulder of Mutton.
St George's Bridge opened in 1893 at a cost of £1350, it is
of cast-iron construction, Grade II listed and has been modified
in 1911 and 1961.

The weir at Nutclough.
The weir was most probably built to power Nutclough Mills which
overlook Hebden Water here.

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Venice by Night: A Glimpse of the Enduring Rialto Bridge

There's a certain magic to Venice after dark. The bustling daytime crowds thin, the sounds of the canals become more pronounced, and the ancient buildings glow with a warm, inviting light. And at the heart of it all, illuminated and magnificent, stands the Rialto Bridge, a true testament to Venetian ingenuity and resilience.

These images, captured on a tranquil November night in 2018 with a Nikon d330 SLR camera, offer a captivating look at this iconic landmark, revealing its architectural grandeur and the vibrant life that still hums around it after sunset.

A Bridge Through Time:

The Rialto Bridge isn't just a crossing; it's a living piece of Venetian history. As the oldest crossing of the Grand Canal, it has witnessed centuries of change, commerce, and celebration. Connecting the lively districts of San Marco and San Polo, it has always been a vital artery for the city.

The current stone masterpiece, which began construction in 1588 and was completed in a mere three years in 1591, is the latest iteration of several bridges that have graced this strategic location. Its design, a single, elegant arch spanning 31.8 meters (104.3 ft), was the winning entry in a competition, defying many who doubted such a structure could stand. Yet, here it is, over 400 years later, a proud symbol of Venice's enduring spirit.

More Than Just a Crossing:

What truly sets the Rialto Bridge apart is its unique design. Far from being a simple pathway, it's a bustling marketplace in itself. Two arcades of shops line its length, separated by a central pathway of steps. Behind each row of shops, two additional paths offer more intimate strolls. Imagine the countless merchants and shoppers who have passed through these very spaces, their voices echoing off the stone walls for centuries. From the images, you can glimpse the glow of shop windows and the faint outlines of people enjoying the evening, perhaps Browse for souvenirs or simply taking in the ambiance. Even the "Hard Rock Rock Shop" is visible, a modern touch against a backdrop of ancient history.

The engineering marvel of its time, the bridge's single arch is supported by an astonishing feat of construction: over 6000 timber piles driven into the soft embankments beneath each abutment. This incredible foundation has allowed it to withstand the test of time, proving the naysayers wrong.

A History of Reinvention:

The Rialto's journey to its current form is a fascinating tale of perseverance. The very first crossing here, the Ponte della Moneta, was a humble pontoon bridge built in 1181. As the nearby Rialto market blossomed, a more substantial wooden bridge with a movable platform was constructed in 1255. This was the first to incorporate shops, with their taxes and rents helping to fund its upkeep – a clever financial model that persists to this day. It was also around this time that the bridge officially adopted the name "Rialto" after its bustling neighbour.

However, the wooden bridges were not without their challenges. The bridge suffered significant damage from fire in 1310 during an attempted coup and famously collapsed in 1444 during a wedding celebration. Even a rebuilt drawbridge met its demise in 1524. It wasn't until the competition in 1551, which drew the era's most renowned architects, that the current, single-span stone design by Antonio da Ponte was chosen, forever changing the Venetian skyline.

Venice After Dark:

As the photographs illustrate, the Rialto Bridge truly comes alive at night. The reflections of the city lights dance on the Grand Canal, illuminating the water and the elegant buildings that line its banks. Vaporettos, like the one seen gliding under the bridge, continue their journeys, their lights creating streaks on the dark water. Gondolas, some neatly moored and covered for the evening, await the next day's romantic journeys. The soft glow emanating from the windows of the palaces and shops creates a welcoming atmosphere, inviting exploration and contemplation.

The Rialto Bridge, with its rich history and captivating night time presence, is more than just a means to cross the Grand Canal. It's a monument to human ingenuity, a vibrant hub of activity, and a timeless symbol of Venice's enduring allure. Standing on its ancient stones, or gazing upon it from the water's edge, one can't help but feel connected to the centuries of stories it holds within its very fabric.

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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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.