An Underground Oasis: Discovering Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote

On July 30, 2013, with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I had the pleasure of exploring one of Lanzarote's most extraordinary attractions: Jameos del Agua. This unique site is a brilliant fusion of art, nature, and architecture, born from a collapsed volcanic tube and transformed into a cultural center by the visionary artist and architect, César Manrique.

The journey begins as you descend into the cool, dark embrace of the earth. The air, thick with the scent of salt and rock, leads you into a subterranean world. The most captivating sight is the saltwater lake, a tranquil body of water nestled deep within the cavern. Its waters are home to a rare and fascinating creature: the squat lobster. These tiny, white, and blind crustaceans are an endemic species, found nowhere else on Earth. Peering into the crystal-clear water, you can spot them scuttling along the rocks, a silent community thriving in the perpetual darkness.

Further into the cavern, the space opens up, revealing a breathtaking auditorium carved directly from the volcanic rock. The stage and seating are a testament to Manrique's genius, blending seamlessly with the natural contours of the cave. I can only imagine the incredible acoustics and the magical atmosphere of a concert held in such a unique venue.

Emerging from the depths, you are greeted by an explosion of light and color. The path leads to a sun-drenched pool area, a stark and beautiful contrast to the dark cavern below. The stunningly white pool, surrounded by black volcanic rock and vibrant green palms, is an image of pure, tranquil beauty. It is said that only the King of Spain is allowed to swim in this pool, adding to the mystique of the place.

The gardens surrounding the pool are a lush haven, with native plants thriving in the volcanic soil. As you climb the stairs, you are treated to a view of the pool from above, and the unique architecture continues to impress. The stairs themselves, with their abstract design and a natural light source filtering down from an opening in the cave ceiling, feel like a piece of art in their own right.

Jameos del Agua first opened to the public in 1966, and it truly embodies César Manrique’s philosophy of harmonizing art with nature. By preserving the natural landscape and enhancing it with his creative touch, he created a place that is not just an attraction, but an experience. It's a reminder of the power of art to transform, and the incredible beauty that can arise when we work in harmony with the natural world.

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The lobster sign at the entrance.

The swimming pool area, the guide I was with claimed that only the King
of Spain is allowed to swim here.

The stairs up from the saltwater cave to the swimming pool
and bar area.

The auditorium, the guide claimed gives one of the best sounds around.

The saltwater cave that is home to the squat lobster.

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Revisited: A Glimpse into Britain's Hidden War History

I've always been fascinated by the quiet, unassuming places that hold powerful stories from our past. Years ago, I visited the remains of a World War II Operation Starfish site near Sowerby. On August 16, 2022, armed with a much better camera—my Nikon D3300—I decided to return, knowing that while the scenery would be the same, the story it told would feel just as poignant.

And in many ways, nothing had changed. The sprawling moorland landscape remained a beautiful, desolate expanse. The old brick bunker, a silent sentinel on the hill, was exactly as I remembered it. The only real difference was the unfortunate addition of more rubbish and a bit of minor damage to the brickwork, a sad mark left by time and neglect.

This remote spot was once part of a crucial large-scale deception plan known as Operation Starfish. Developed by Colonel John Turner after the devastating bombing of Coventry in November 1940, the plan was a brilliant, if simple, ruse to protect Britain's cities. The idea was to create large-scale decoys that would mimic the glow of bombed-out cities and industrial targets, tricking German bombers into dropping their payloads in harmless, open countryside.

The sites were strategically located about four miles from their intended targets. In the fields surrounding the bunker, metal troughs were hidden, ready to be filled with a volatile mix of creosote, coal, and diesel oil. When enemy bombers were overhead, these troughs would be set alight, creating a convincing imitation of a city on fire. After a short period—usually about 15 minutes—water would be added to the fire, causing a burst of flames and smoke that mimicked a secondary explosion, signaling a direct hit to the bombers flying high above.

The Sowerby site was specifically designed to be a decoy for major industrial centers and railway junctions. Its blazing fires would have been intended to lure bombers away from the cities of Manchester and Leeds, as well as the vital railway goods yards in nearby Greetland, Halifax, Todmorden, Littleborough, and Rochdale.

At the heart of the operation was a two-room bunker, which, remarkably, still stands today. Protected by a blast wall, it would have been a small, claustrophobic space where the brave men operating the decoy would have lived and worked, orchestrating the fiery deception. The images I took, particularly those from inside the bunker, show a space now filled with rubble and rubbish, a stark contrast to the purpose it once served. Yet, even in its neglected state, you can feel the history, the tension, and the ingenuity that once existed within those walls.

These hidden relics of Operation Starfish serve as powerful reminders of the lengths to which a nation will go to defend itself. They are memorials not of grand battles, but of quiet, strategic brilliance, and of the forgotten individuals who played a crucial part in protecting their country.

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The blast door pictured in front of the bunkers main entrance

Inside the bunker on the left hand side of the entrance is this former control
room. Now filling up with rubbish that has been left behind.

Looking north over the bunker. In the foreground can be seen some
brickworks, probably housed washrooms and generators. Their isn't much
evidence of the site ever being linked to mains electric.

The former control room to the right hand side of the entrance.

Looking west away from the bunkers entrance, taken from the roof I
assume the site in front of me would have housed the metal pans
that created the dummy lighting effect.

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Lost to the Trees: Unearthing History in Jumble Hole Clough

There’s a unique feeling that comes from stumbling upon a forgotten corner of history, a place where nature has begun to reclaim what was once a bustling part of human life. On May 4, 2022, I had one of those moments while walking through Jumble Hole, a wooded valley that meanders down from Blackshaw Head toward Eastwood, tucked between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

The valley is carved by the Jumble Hole Clough, a waterway historically known as Blackshaw Clough. This stream is more than just a scenic feature; it's a boundary steeped in history, traditionally marking the line between the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. More importantly, it was the lifeblood of a small, industrious community. Its waters once powered several mills, and scattered dwellings lined its banks, housing the people who worked and lived there. The stream even had a spiritual significance, used for baptisms by the nearby Nazebottom Baptist Church.

As I followed a path alongside the water, I passed over an old stone bridge, its arch gracefully spanning the clough. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks and a small waterfall was a peaceful soundtrack to the green, moss-covered landscape. But my eyes were drawn away from the rushing water and towards the hillside. Tucked into the lush greenery, I saw the stone remains of a building, a silent witness to a time gone by.

I had to investigate. Pushing through the undergrowth, I found myself standing before the ruins of what was once a home. The most striking feature was a stone fireplace, still standing strong despite the roof and walls having long since collapsed. Covered in a thick layer of green moss and surrounded by new growth, it felt like a monument to a lost world. The fireplace, once the warm heart of a home, now stands open to the elements, a somber reminder of a community that faded into history.

Exploring Jumble Hole Clough is like stepping back in time. It’s a place where the past isn't just a story in a book; it’s a tangible presence, waiting to be rediscovered by those who take the time to wander off the beaten path. These forgotten ruins and stone bridges serve as a powerful link between the valley’s industrial past and its wild, beautiful present.

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Inside the abandoned dwelling I found. This artwork is based on
a photo that can be seen below.

Jumble Hole Clough.

Jumble Hole Clough, the abandoned dwelling is just to the right
of the picture.

Another artwork of the inside of the abandoned dwelling.

The abandoned dwelling, it was the top of the fireplace, just visible
that made me go and take a look around.

Jumble Hole Clough weir.

The photo of the fireplace my artworks are based on.

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The Legacy of a Visionary: Edward Akroyd's Halifax

On a grey February day in 2014, with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in hand, I captured a series of images of a statue in Halifax. This wasn't just any statue; it was a monument to a man whose legacy is etched into the very fabric of the town's social and architectural history: Edward Akroyd.

Born in 1810 in the Ovenden district of Halifax, Edward Akroyd was a textile manufacturer who inherited his father's business in 1847. But he was more than just an industrialist; he was a social reformer with a vision. Deeply concerned by the squalid living conditions of the Victorian era, he embarked on a mission to improve the lives of his workers.

A Model for a Better Life

Akroyd’s most enduring legacy is perhaps the model villages he built for his employees. These communities, Akroyden and Copley, were designed to be a testament to how housing conditions could be dramatically improved. These villages, with their thoughtfully laid-out streets and well-built homes, still stand today, a living reminder of his commitment to his workers' well-being.

His social consciousness didn't stop at housing. He was a pioneer in many other areas, responsible for the establishment of the first working men’s college outside of London, a local allotment society, and a school for child laborers. He even created a workers' pension scheme, a truly forward-thinking initiative for his time. A devout man, he also contributed to the construction of numerous Anglican churches around Halifax, including All Souls Church, which his statue now stands proudly outside of.

A Life of Service

Edward Akroyd's influence stretched far beyond social reform. He was a co-founder of the Yorkshire Penny Bank and the Halifax Building Society, and played a crucial role in bringing the railway to Halifax. He served his country as the Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th Yorkshire West Riding Rifle Volunteers and his community as a Member of Parliament for both Huddersfield and Halifax.

A Monument to a Man

The statue itself, a 9-foot bronze figure atop a 10-foot plinth, is a fitting tribute to his stature in the community. Sculpted by Ceccardo Egidio Fucigna and John Birnie Philip, it was unveiled on July 29, 1876, at North Bridge, before a crowd of 10,000 people. On each side of the plinth, bronze panels illustrate key moments from his life.

The panels tell their own stories: one depicts him as Lieutenant Colonel, directing his troops on horseback; another shows him addressing workers, a spade at his feet, symbolizing his role in improving their lives. Another panel is a detailed coat of arms with the motto "In Veritate Victoria" (In Truth, Victory), a motto that seems to embody his life's work.

Due to his failing health, Edward Akroyd eventually moved to St Leonards-on-sea, where he died in 1887. His funeral was a massive event, attended by over 15,000 mourners, a testament to the immense respect and affection he had earned. The statue itself was moved to its current location on October 28, 1901, to make way for the development of the North Bridge for trams, and it was given Grade II listed status on November 3, 1954, securing its place as a protected piece of local history.

Today, this statue stands not just as a likeness of a man, but as a symbol of the enduring impact one individual can have on a community. It's a reminder of a visionary who believed that prosperity should be shared, and that a better life was a right for all.

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The pictures below feature on the plinth and commemorate a scene from the life of Edward Akroyd.

This panel which can be seen on the plinth is to commemorate the
statue being completed by the townspeople of Halifax.

Colonel Akroyd is represented on horseback giving orders out to the 4th
West Yorkshire Rifle Volunteers, at his feet are Major Ingram, Major Holdsworth
and Captain Holroyde. Men from the regiment are visible behind
his horse.

This panel shows the laying of the corner stone at the nearby All
Souls Church on 25th April 1856. Some of the other men shown in the picture are
Mayor Joshua Appleyard, Bishop Longley of Ripon, Reverend Canon
Fawcett, Archdeacon Musgrave, Richard Carter Mayor of Barnsley and
Gilbert Scott architect of All Souls Church.

The picture on this panel shows the cutting of the first sod of the
Leeds, Bradford and Halifax Railway of which Edward Akroyd was
chairman. The picture is to show a scene from 1846 when the railway was
known as the West Riding Union Railway. In addition to Colonel Akroyd
some of the other men featured in the picture are Jonathan Akroyd, Lord Morpeth,
Charles Wood (Lord Halifax), Colonel Joshua pollard and the lines engineer
Sir John Hawkshaw.

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Exploring the British Museum

The British Museum, a cornerstone of London's cultural landscape, is a place where human history, art, and culture converge under one magnificent roof. Located in the Bloomsbury area, it holds the distinction of being the world's first public museum, opening its doors in 1759. Its foundation was laid with the vast collection of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician and naturalist whose bequest to the nation became the seed for this monumental institution.

My visit on May 25, 2019, with my Nikon D3300, was a personal journey through this incredible repository of global heritage. The photos I captured barely scratch the surface of the millions of objects housed here, each telling a unique story of humanity.

The Great Court: A Breathtaking Welcome

The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the sheer scale of the Great Court. Enveloped by the magnificent glass roof designed by Norman Foster, it transforms what was once the museum's inner courtyard into a stunning covered public square. This space serves as the central hub, a bustling nexus from which all of the museum's galleries radiate. The light filtering through the intricate latticework creates a sense of awe, setting the perfect tone for the exploration that lies ahead.

Echoes of Ancient Worlds

The museum's halls are a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of past civilizations. In the Egyptian galleries, colossal statues stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. I was particularly struck by the head and upper torso statue of Amenhotep III, its massive form and serene expression hinting at the immense power of the pharaohs. Nearby, an Egyptian papyriform column, crafted to resemble a bundle of papyrus stems, showcases the deep connection between architecture, nature, and symbolism in their culture.

As I ventured into the Greek and Roman galleries, the elegance of classical art took center stage. The Caryatid from the Erechtheion in Athens, a stunning example of an architectural support carved in the form of a draped female figure, exudes both grace and strength. The reliefs from the Nereid Monument further highlight the mastery of ancient sculptors, depicting dynamic scenes with incredible detail. It's also in these galleries that you can find the exquisite Vase from the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis, a beautiful example of black-figure pottery, capturing a mythical wedding feast.

The dramatic power of ancient Assyria is equally impressive. The Lion Hunt Reliefs, with their vivid and powerful depictions of a royal lion hunt, are a testament to the might of King Ashurbanipal and the incredible skill of his artists.

A Global Tapestry of Treasures

The museum's collection extends far beyond these well-known civilizations. I found a captivating Figure of Avalokiteśvara, a striking statue from India, which offers a window into the rich spiritual and artistic traditions of Asia. In another room, the intricate and elaborate craftsmanship of European artisans is on display, with objects like the Mechanical Galleon, a masterpiece of Renaissance clock-making, captivating visitors with its complexity and beauty.

A Complex Legacy

It is impossible to walk through the British Museum without contemplating the "controversial circumstances" under which many of its objects were acquired. The museum holds a number of items, such as the Parthenon sculptures and the Benin Bronzes, that are subject to ongoing debates about their rightful ownership and repatriation to their countries of origin. This conversation is an integral part of the museum's story, reflecting the complex history of colonialism and global relations.

Ultimately, the British Museum is more than just a building filled with artifacts. It is a place of learning and wonder, a journey through the collective history of humankind. While the debates about its collection continue, the museum's ability to inspire and educate remains undeniable, offering a profound glimpse into the incredible diversity of our shared past.

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Outside the British Museum

The Great Court

The Lion Hunt Reliefs

The Mechanical Galleon

The Neried Monument

Vase from the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis by Sophilos

Aphrodite crouching at her bath

Caryatid from the Erechtheion in Athens

Egyptian Papyriform Column

Figure of Avalokiteśvara

Head & Upper Torso Statue of Amenhotep III Wearing Nemes

Lion of Minrud

Perikles Statue

Terracotta Statue, perhaps Demeter and Persephone

The Ashurnasirpal II Slab

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