Heyjude

Thursday’s Special

Paula (Lost in Translation) set a very difficult and challenging photo challenge last week. It almost had me stumped. I had an idea in my head, but lacked the vision to translate the idea into an image. Conceptual photography is what she asked for. The art of creating photographs that illustrate an idea.

Be it an illustration of a story, a dramatic moment or even just some simple things in life that would bring a smile to your face, a good conceptual portrait should never leave you indifferent.

walk slowly and think quietly;
observe what is around you,
focus your mind.
breathe
slowly.
stay in control.
concentrate.
listen to nature.
birdsong;
the wind in the trees;
leaves
falling.
Mindfulness
Meditation
Calmness.

Norwich Part III: Wensum riverside walk

On leaving the beautiful Norwich cathedral we discovered that the rain had stopped so decided to take the opportunity to have a short walk along the riverside (red route). Once essential for transport and industry this meandering river sadly, like many riversides in many towns and cities, had become neglected and undervalued. Since 2007 it is part of a regeneration process to raise awareness of the value of the river and provide access to it for the public. The route is full of historical and architectural interest and should be a major tourist attraction.

We headed towards the river along The Close passing a lovely Dutch gabled house opposite the Cathedral Herb Garden, which we nipped in to for a look, and then along Hook’s Walk with its excellent brick and flint-built houses, many rendered and colour-washed which in turn leads to the curiously named Gooseberry Garden Walk.

I had hoped that this lane would pass through some lovely cottage gardens, but instead it has high brick walls and what could have been playing fields at either side and possibly an allotment area. Continue reading Norwich Part III: Wensum riverside walk

Norwich Part II: The Royal Arcade

Opened in 1899, the 247 foot long covered avenue was designed and built by Dereham-born architect George Skipper and today it houses a wonderful mixture of shops and restaurants – plus the famous Colman’s Mustard Shop!

Art Nouveau was so-called from Samuel Bing’s art shop “Maison l’art Nouveau” an international movement to bring together the finest designers and craftsmen to unify the designs of buildings, furnishings and decorative arts within.

Influenced by Japanese art and the Arts and Crafts Movement, the English Art Nouveau used flowing lines and symbols from nature. Continue reading Norwich Part II: The Royal Arcade

Norwich Part I: History and Architecture

Norwich was founded by the Saxon North Folk (“North Folk” became “Norfolk”) at the confluence of the Yare and Wensum rivers sometime around the 6th century.

My first visit to Norwich and it rained. After days of unseasonable heat and blue skies in early September the forecast for the Saturday that we intended to visit the county capital of Norfolk was sadly correct. But since the main attraction was the cathedral it didn’t deter us and in fact it worked out rather well. I am going to split the posts up otherwise they would be far too long and photo heavy, so posts about the cathedral itself may be a while down the line.

Today we are going to walk through the city from the bus station to the cathedral. We left the car at Thickthorn Park ‘n Ride and took the bus into the city centre as we had no idea of where to park in the city. It proved to be a good idea. The first destination was the information office at the Forum so we could pick up a map or two! Getting there was a bit tricky though, as we took a wrong turning, but imagine my delight when we found ourselves outside the delightful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade which was one of my ‘must see’ sights.

Exiting the arcade we discovered the market place; the City Hall, the Guildhall and the church of St Peter Mancroft.

Continue reading Norwich Part I: History and Architecture

Black and White Sunday: Heckington Windmill

The eight sail windmill was built in 1830 with five sails, but after a gale in 1890 destroyed both the cap and sails it was rebuilt by John Pocklington using machinery from Skirbeck mill in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Now the only eight sail windmill in Western Europe it is fully working and producing flour again.

Black and White Sunday