I took a nice long walk along the canal tow path yesterday which was both invigorating and a monochromatic gold mine. It was along the stretch of the Kennet and Avon canal that I had chugged down on our new boat ‘Cygnet’ last week but I wanted to check out a few things inncloser detail.I also got to indulge in one of my old fetishes….bridge photography 🤣 which is a weird guilty pleasure of mine.
When we were last living aboard a narrowboat on the canals traveling slowly around the UK on Badger the Narrowboat I became fascinated with the variety of bridges, brick, steel or otherwise. There are lots of them dotted along the canals and come in all shapes and sizes and differing states of repair.
While the steel or Iron ones ( Metal basically) have that industrial shock and awe vibe that I love all bullish and imposing I prefer the intricate brickwork that goes into the brick bridges. They evoke a completely different vibe especially the curves as you pas under. Amazing work, such detail and craftsmanship involved in the building of these all those years ago. The modern ones lack soul I feel.
And the moody drama they evoke in monochrome is awesome. Like how an old actor can convey so much emotion in a simple look with no words uttered, speaking volumes silently.
You can see how this old girl has been patched up with newer more recent brickwork recently. Better that than to knock her down and replace with some soul less ‘ functional’ foot bridge. I love these old bridges, long may they last!
