Images of England

Post by **johnriley1uk** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:55 pm

As the actual photography for IOE winds up at the end of September, I thought I'd share with you one of my favourite shots. See all the rest at http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk

Train Shed at Piccadilly Station, Manchester

Post by **Mike** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 8:30 am

It is a hard building to photograph that is for sure!

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 9:37 am

I really like that photograph.

mr_e · Post by **mr_e** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 6:51 pm

I'm not surprised this is one of your favourites, amongst the other goodness, you've captured detail in both light and dark areas nicely. I was confused by the white squiggly line next to the front of the train, but I'm guessing it's overhead cables?

Post by **Mike** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 6:35 am

I would imagine that it is a piece of fluff on the negative when scanned. . . . at a guess.

I like the way you got the train pulling into the station - it is also intersteing to see the height - I am not really sure how you managed to get the elevation. How long did you have to wait to get a train arriving? Or was it like the time you got a train to reverse along a railway viaduct?

PS Why ARD rather than Photography for the post? I don't mind but I am curious!

Post by **johnriley1uk** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:06 am

ARD because it was illustrating the architecture with photography and not a photograph for the sake of illustrating technique.

I wandered into Piccadilly, asked if I could take a shot for IofE and they happily waved me towards a footbridge at the far end of the train shed. It was a wonderful elevated position and the lines in the structure lended themselves beautifully to the wide angle view of a 24mm lens.

The train was a bonus and did its bit on command - it's just a Special Power over trains that I seem to have. There just aren't many practical applications for it.

mr_e · Post by **mr_e** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:58 pm

Ah, I never realised it was all done on colour negative film, but the Images of England site has revealed all. It does nicely explain the white bits as well.

The train almost gives the picture a sort of eighties or nineties feel, as it looks like one of the older stock, not one of those swishy new Pendolinos. I think I may just have to register on that site to see what other delights lurk there.

Most people never stop to admire train stations much, as they're probably legging it, so it's nice to see them captured to admire at our leisure.

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:32 pm

I agree with you there mr_e, train stations should be admired for what they are - which is in the main, beautiful buildings. Some of the country ones are gorgeous as well and I think that money should be put aside to renovate them. For example, Glazebrook train station - only about 4 miles out of Leigh - would be stunning if the time was taken to clean up around it and repair the windows. At the moment it looks neglected but some money and some TLC would work wonders.

Post by **Mike** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:22 am

Isn't it funny that 100 years ago train stations were regarded as utilitarian sheds. . . . :D

Post by **johnriley1uk** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:19 pm

Here's another image for your architectural consideration.

This is the mysterious Chaddock Hall, hidden away behind a huge wall in Astley. Basically a timber framed building that has been rendered over, and very old indeed. I had to arrange special access to see this one, but I really fell in love with it. The situation and the potential are amazing. OK, it's a little run down just now, but just think what could be done...

Fez · Post by **Fez** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:32 pm

the mystery finally revealed...not quite the haunted house i was hoping for.

Post by **johnriley1uk** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:00 pm

not quite the haunted house i was hoping for.

And how do you know it's not haunted?

Post by **Mike** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 9:57 am

Well obviously there are no shattered windows, creaking swaying or weird people. Have you never seen scooby do?!

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 1:30 pm

Ahhhhh, now I know what people from work have been talking about. If I had the money then I would buy something like that. The greenhouse is quite cool in itself. Apparently the land around it is quite large. Is that true?

Post by **johnriley1uk** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 1:43 pm

Ther's a large lawn in front and between that and the front gates all the trees that totally conceal the site.

At the back of the house is a larger area that used to contain ponds and formal gardens, as far as I can see all now overgrown.

It's a fair amount of land, but not so much that it would be unmanageable. It would be very hard work though.