Inspiration Rises from the Mist

Towards the end of 2019 I was driving along the main road from Hartington way in the Peak District towards the town of Ashbourne where I intended stopping for lunch. I especially like to buy local Staffordshire oatcakes when I’m in the area.

I noticed every now and again wisps of mist drifting across the distant landscape. I made a spur of the moment decision to take a detour towards the valley between Thorpe and Ilam. Something was pulling me there. As I passed through the village of Thorpe and started to drop down towards Ilam I was rewarded with the most glorious mist rolling across the valley.

The mist was swirling gently around the bare branches of the winter trees.

I parked up quickly, grabbed the lead of my little dog Ted in one hand and my camera in the other. Poor Ted only has little legs and I don’t think he was very impressed at being walked across a muddy field. Anyway, he’s my photo buddy and faithful friend and fortunately by now he’s becoming more used to my adventures. .

This was a scene I would expect to see early morning. However it was midday and I could hardly believe my luck. I remember filming a spontaneous video expressing my sheer joy at witnessing the light and trees. It was very rough and unedited but I wanted capture the raw emotion and post it for a group of creative friends on Facebook. I knew instinctively that my little tribe would ‘get it’ and of course yes they did! With hindsight I’m quite embarrassed at how amateurish it was. However it set the ball in motion for me to learn video editing. So that scrappy little film was the start of a new project.

But it didn’t end there. Over the next couple weeks, and after bouncing ideas off my creative buddies, I decided that trees would be the focus of a new project for 2020. And so it was from these trees in the Peak District that my Tree Project 2020 has evolved. The intention is that I photograph trees over the course of twelve months and so take time to observe the changing seasons. I have one particular tree in mind but I don’t intend to narrow the project down to just the one tree. The project will be a celebration of interesting trees and creativity inspired by these trees. I already have a few ideas but I definitely don’t want to stick to a rigid plan.

Reflections of Liverpool

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”

— John Lennon

A friendly rivalry exists been Liverpudlians (from Liverpool) and Mancunians (from Manchester). Think Liverpool FC v Manchester United. The Beatles v Oasis. Scouse v Hotpot. And so the list goes on... But the rivalry between theses two neighbouring cities has roots going back to Victorian times - to industrialisation and in particular the building of the Manchester Ship Canal from the River Mersey and feuding merchants. I've visited and photographed the Manchester end of the waterway at Salford Quays and Media City many times. Despite being a Mancunian, I love to 'cross the border' to visit the city of Liverpool. I'm always drawn to docklands area and historical industrial warehouses and so Albert Dock on the River Mersey is a perfect destination.

Albert Dock Liverpool

It hasn't always been picture-perfect though. WW2 bomb damage and, over the following decades, a dramatic decline in industry and trading to the late 1970s left this area a grim desolate and sewage-filled wasteland. It was a dismal no-go area. The area had such a bleak feel to it.

Albert Dock Liverpool

In the early 1980s a life-line was thrown in the form of an ambitious and impressive regeneration programme. I think the futuristic new now sits comfortably with richly historic old.

I remember visiting here in the early days of the restoration. My memory is of buying contemporary black and white patterned buttons from from a little independent shop. At the time I was knitting a mohair cardigan. I wasn’t the best of knitters and my item had a rustic look to it!

Old and new buildings sit alongside each other.

The waterfront is lined with modern structures. An abundance of glass and strong lines. Can you see that the figure in the window gives a sense of perspective?

Museum of Liverpool

I'm always drawn to detail in reflections. I feel this, if I were to be labelled, may be one of my 'trademarks'. The big wheel looms high although I’ve not yet plucked up the courage to venture on here. The red brick warehouses and sheds have been spruced up.

Reflections in windows of the Museum of Liverpool

We Mancunians chuckled quietly to ourselves when Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008. Oh how very wrong we were to mock! I'm looking forward to the Transmitting Andy Warhol exhibition coming soon to the Tate Liverpool. It’ll be the ideal excuse to return.

Reflections of Albert Dock in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

The River Mersey looks cold and murky but when the sun makes an appearance the crowds flock here to stroll along the promenade on the waterfront. The water is apparently the cleanest it’s been since the Industrial Revolution although I wouldn't dare take a dip in it!

Reflection of the waterfront in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

I like the reflections here of old architecture on modern. The area is showcases prime examples of how good architectural design can sit comfortably beside the old.

Museum of Liverpool

Can you spot the two famous mythical Liver birds perched on the towers of the Liver Building? The legend goes that if these two birds were ever to fly away then the city of Liverpool would cease to exist. They're firmly fastened down!

The Liver Building on the waterfront, Liverpool

The Royal Liver building dates back to 1911 and was one of the first buildings in the world to be constructed from reinforced concrete. The elaborate squared building in the middle is the Cunard Building - a reminder of the significance of Liverpool as major port when our ancestors - mine included- bravely sailed away on the liners to new lives across the globe.

Reflection of the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool waterfront.

The Port of Liverpool Building, a stray traffic cone and an ominous 'One-Way' sign! This building is known as one of the Three Graces - together with the Liver Building and Cunard Building.

Reflection of The Port of Liverpool Building

The Beatles seem to be on every street corner in one form or another. And of course it’s a perfect excuse to stop for a cuppa!

Cafe on the waterfront at Liverpool

No photos of cake this time. I've been on a sugar detox for the last two weeks. I know, hard to believe isn't it?

I hope you liked my stroll around the waterfront in Liverpool. There is so much more to see but that will have to wait for another time. I really recommend a visit if you're ever passing by. There’s so much to see. And of course don't forget your camera - it’s a a very photogenic area!.