Research - The everyday every day

The choice between everyday, one word, and every day, two words, depends on how it's used. Everyday, one word, is an adjective meaning 'used or seen daily,' or 'ordinary.' 'The phone calls were an everyday occurrence'. 'Every day', two words, is an adverb phrase meaning 'daily' or 'every weekday.' 'They go to the coffee shop every day.'

 

Research - Photographers who photograph the everyday

Adam Hillman and Emily Blincoe have explored repetition of objects and use of colour to create usual patterns. Natalie Kinnear arranged kitchen objects to create unusual composition. Jim Golden documents collections of retro objects and Todd McLellan took objects apart to reveal their inner mechanics. Saul Leiter was known for shooting through windows or using other objects to frame his subjects, resulting in abstract and layered images.

My remaining artists are Ilse Leendeers, Stephanie Gonot, Glenna Gordon and Jordi Huisman all focus on the every day using their own style.

Martin Parr is probably the most well known photographer shooting 'the everyday'. 

 

Adam Hillman

 

Emilie Blincoe

 

Natalie Kinnear

 

Jim Golden

 

Todd McLellan

 

Saul Leiter

 

Ilse Leenders

 

Stephanie Gonot

 

Glenna Gordon

 

Jordi Huisman

 

Martin Parr

 

Conclusions on research

It is clear photographic artists all have their own style when photographing the everyday. Adam Hilman and Emilie Blincoe produce very 'staged' images in bright colours in order to create their desired effect. Jim Golden and Todd McLennan have a very similar style, however, focus more on the objects and, in particular the breaking down of objects into infinite detail. I find Saul Lieter's style interesting in the way he frames his subject. For example through steamed up windows or through the hazy windows on a bus. The images give the viewer a different perspective of the subject that makes you think about the story of the image.

Jordi Huisman very much focuses on the everyday buildings and looks for an interesting angle to allow the viewer to see a different perspective.

I personally like Martin Parr's work. He looks for the unusual and finds the unusual everyday people and places. He does not specifically focus on portrait, however, his work depicting people in different situations fascinates me.

For this project I wanted to specifically visit different locations in order to make the project interesting and to find everyday images. I wanted to show that every location has a wide variance of every day people, places, corners and places.

 

Steve Wood's Everyday every day

 

Day 1 - Tuesday 23rd January 2024

Favourite

For my first shoot, I wanted to document where I live and 'my every day'. I am lucky enough to live in a Stately home that is open to the public and, therefore, can be considered every ones 'every day'. They can visit the Hall at any time in the week to study the history and splendour of the property.

while observing the property and its grounds, there are many features that take the viewer back in time and open a world of how the Hall was used in the past.

The Hall was redeveloped in 2020 after funding from the Heritage and Lottery. A virtual ruin, the Hall has been brought back to its original splendour with funding granted on the proviso that original materials and architecture are maintained. The image I have selected is of the original wood store with original bucket. I found this a very interesting picture and one that represents the originality of the Hall that can be seen 'every day'. The wood stored is Beech.

Research - Traditional 18th Century Wood Store

All wood is biodegradable. Wet wood, unlike dry wood, can conduct electricity. The world's blackest wood is ebony, the world's whitest wood is holly. Lignin is what makes a wood hard. A good log store will be raised off of the ground to prevent moisture seeping into the logs and preventing them from seasoning, have plenty of airflow (again for the same reason) which usually means gaps or slats in the side that allow direct airflow all the way around, and a weather-resistant roof that overhangs the wood to keep it dry. Wood is an 'everyday' item.

 

 

Day 2 - Wednesday 24th January 2024

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Today is a work and Dentist day. The images represent my travels to the dentist, office and then clients. I wanted to depict a day where I met varied people. My dentist fitting my implant, two patients in the waiting room and then my clients and their household animals. Over 70% of people have family pets, but Ste and Ingrid have 3 dogs, 2 parrots and a large fish tank. 

On a personal note I felt a little uncomfortable with the smell of all the animals. But that is their choice.

I have known Ste and Ingrid for some time. Ingrid worked for me many years ago, hence her need to abuse me while taking her picture. They are both very genuine people.

In terms of my favourite picture, I chose a chrome radiator situated in the toilet of my dentist. An abstract image that reflects our every day use and need of heat and an item that, in the 20th Century, 98% of people will have in their homes.

Research - Chrome Radiators

Radiators are an everyday item. Chrome possesses a low emissivity value, which means it tends to contain heat and struggle to transmit it to the same extent as other materials. Even so, it remains a popular finish for radiators and heated towel rails. As chrome radiators are made by applying a coating onto another metal using electrolysis, usually brass or mild steel, they're susceptible to peeling and rusting in areas of high moisture e.g. bathrooms or wet rooms - this is where stainless steel has been deemed superior to chrome as it's resistant to rust. 

 

 

Day 3 - Thursday 25th January 2024

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Day 3 was mainly at University and Home. Most of the images were taken in the morning where I discovered copious amounts of condensation on my front and rear windscreens. I was fascinated with the patterns created by the water and the rear heater on one of the images. Day 3 has a predominant theme of water and the every day effects it leaves with us around the home.

My favourite image is the condensation left on my rear windscreen, contrasted with the rear heater. An image you take for granted but, when studied, has a beautiful effect. An image that is there virtually every day but very seldom noticed and/or indeed appreciated.

Research - Chrome rear heated windscreen

Because rear windows don't benefit from the same airflow as front windscreens, manufacturers have to make a choice about how to heat those up separately. It's actually more expensive to install extra air ducting than it is to add electric elements to the rear window — so that's why heated rear windows are more common. Benefits of a heated rear windscreen are:

Speed - Heated windscreens defrost and defog glass faster 

Safety - Heated windscreens are safer because they increase visibility.

Efficiency - Heated windscreens are more energy efficient.

Rear heated windscreens are an everyday item used every day.

 

 

Day 4 - Friday 26th January 2024

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Day 4 was predominantly an office day for me. As part of this exercise I discovered the natural light and how it spreads across the desks. I found some of the shadows fascinating, especially the keys in the door which create the image of a man in the shadow. 

My favourite image is of an ordinary telephone on the desk with the natural sunlight focusing upon it. The striking light enables the viewer to focus on the telephone. An every day object that we all use but seen in a 'different light'

Research - Telephone

  • A telephone is an everyday item used every day.
  • The first telephone greeting was actually 'Ahoy'.
  • Telephones weren't invented by Alexander Graham Bell. They were invented by Antonio Meucci a Florentine immigrant whose 'teletrofono' was first demonstrated in 1860 in New York. 17 years before Bell's invention. Bell is credited for 'patenting' the first practical telephone.
  • The smartphone was invented by IBM and was originally called 'Simon'.
  • The first SMS text message ever said 'Merry Christmas' by an engineer called Neil Papworth.
  • It is estimated that 3.8 trillion hours were spent on the telephone Worldwide in 2021.

 

 

Day 5 - Saturday 27th January 2024

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Day 5 was a short walk in Ambleside and up to Rydal caves. There are many images and 'things' that can be seen along the walk, you simply have to look for them. From natural mosses and fungi to shapes created by the river and small streams and water falls. There is an abundance of every day beauty that only needs to be looked for and appreciated. 

Ambleside has over 2 million visitors every year and I am sure the finite beauty of the countryside is missed by some.

With regard to my favourite image, I came across two old ladies who were pushing their dog in a brand new pram. The vehicle was the third bought by the ladies due to the age and disability of the dog. They were convinced 'Molly' was very happy and could still enjoy its 'walk' in the countryside.

For the casual observer, the image was one of compassion and love towards the dog and its owners. The ladies were determined to extend the life of the dog by what ever means and at whatever cost.

Research - Pet Dogs

Pets are everyday animals looked after every day.

About 59% of all households in the UK have pets. Cats are the second most owned pet in the country and have a population almost as high as dogs, 12.2 million and 12.5 million, respectively. Rabbits and indoor birds follow, both accounting for 2% of households.

80% of pet owners claim their pet can sense their moods.

50% talk to their pet.

25% have blow-dried their pet's fur.

65% take more photos of their dogs than friends and family.

45% allow their pet to sleep in their bed.

It is estimated a pet costs its owner over £2500 per pet.

 

 

Day 6 - Sunday 28th January 2024

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Day six took me to Liverpool Lime Street train station to collect my cousin and on to a Liverpool football match at Anfield. A crowd of 57,000 was expected and my images represent my experiences around the ground. I wanted to capture the people, the crowd and the people who work at the ground to keep us safe. The seats are very close together and do not leave much leg room. Its a good job I am relatively short, unlike my cousin who is over 6 foot and struggles with bruised knees.

I have chosen the image of the police as my favourite image. This represents the every day in that we see them 'every day'. I asked them if I could take their photograph and the two constables looked uneasy. However, after I chatted to Sergeant Williams and showed him my Student ID he told his colleagues to accommodate. All three showed an interest in my project and the images on my camera phone.

 

Research - Police

Police are an everyday sight and patrol the streets every day. The Met was founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829 to serve and protect the people of London. The standard wage for a constable was one guinea (£1.05) a week for a 12 hour shift six days a week, with Sunday as a rest day. The British often call police officers 'bobbies. ' This comes from Sir Robert Peel, since the nickname for 'Robert' is 'Bobby. ' Early on, the first police were also known as 'Peelers,' which also comes from Sir Robert Peel's name. The term copper was the original word, used in Britain to mean "someone who captures". In British English, the term cop is recorded (Shorter Oxford Dictionary) in the sense of 'to capture' from 1704, derived from the Latin capere via the Old French caper.

 

 

Day 7 - Monday 29th January 2024

Favourite

 

Day 7 was predominantly a University day and, in particular in a meeting in the Media Factory with Simon Benjamin Partridge. The project made me study the building in more detail than I would have done normally. The coloured lights and specific lighting make the area pleasant to work in and explore.

My meeting with Simon was in one of the music studios and this had some very interesting lighting and equipment. Items that we see every day and , for Simons students, are used every day.

I was particularly struck by the vibrant colours within the Media Factory and the sparkle on the musical instruments.

My favourite image is of a building I visit, along with hundreds of other students, every day. A building that is unappreciated but very different in its outlook. A building that resembles an iconic building in Paris, the Pompidou Centre.

 

Research Uclan Media Factory

The Media Factory is used every day for everyday use. Opened in September 2007, The Media Factory is an ultra-modern building that provides a great facility for students from the performing arts, media practice and media areas. Costing over £15 million, the building has a contemporary design that perfectly reflects the creative culture and spirit which the students and staff foster. The Media Factory was officially opened on 24 January by broadcaster, writer and Uclan Honorary Fellow Fiona Armstrong.

 

 

Day 8 - Tuesday 30th January 2024

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Day 8 was spent predominantly walking around Preston looking for 'every day images'. Most images were found in and around The University and including the obvious and obscure. Preston and The University many hidden secrets and I tried to find some of them on my travels. The reflection on the Student Centre is an interesting image and one that changes with the angle of the sun. A south facing building that was designed to be bright and unique.

For some reason I have a fascination for stair cases and, for this reason, I chose the internal stair case in Victoria Building. An every day item that we climb every day and a stair well that disappears into the light above. An image we don't look at every day but a stair case that we use 'every day'.

Research - Stairwells

We all climb everyday stairs every day. The first steps were made over 6000 years ago out of tree trunks. Masonry stairs, which can be found in castle towers, always ascend in a clockwise direction. This is unlike most traditional staircases, which travel in the opposite direction. The reason in which castle stairs ascend in this particular way is that they were made to aid the defence of the building. These stairs allowed more movement to take place when defenders were travelling, especially considering that they were to wield their swords with their right hands. In addition to the direction, each individual stair is created in a different width. The defenders of the castle would be able to recognise which step is slightly wider than the rest, whereas the attackers would slip after misjudging their step.

 

 

Day 9 - Wednesday 31st January 2024

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Day 9 is another day at home and in Preston. My images at home try to show the every day in obscurity. The inside of a dish washer, the outside view through an every day wine glass.

I wanted to also focus on the obscure images provided by some of the Preston buildings. Decay of every day window frames, every day roads and their texture and every day brick work leading upwards.

My favourite image is of The Student building again, but framed through a doorway. I wanted to take an image of the building that most students will see every day but not appreciate. I hope I have achieved this.

 

Research - Uclan Student Centre

The Student Centre is used every day for everyday use. The new landmark Student Centre at UCLan, part of a £60 million redevelopment scheme, has become part of the thriving heart of the Preston Campus since opening in Autumn 2021. Designed by award-winning architects, Hawkins/Brown, the Student Centre along with a new University Square creates a stunning gateway between the University and the City Centre. The original brief for the architects was to create a light, spacious, vibrant Student Centre housing a reception area, coffee shop, informal learning spaces, a student well-being support centre and a rooftop garden, which are accessible to everyone.

 

 

Day 10 - Thursday 1st February 2024

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For day 10, this I chose to take my camera around the seaside town of Southport. This Victorian holiday resort has many different aspects to it. From a Victorian walkway to a Victorian Carousel enjoyed by young families.

I noticed the colours in the holiday resort and wanted to express this in my images. A place for all the family and areas for 'every day enjoyment'.

My favourite image is the flower stall. Everybody loves flowers for their colour and smell. Flowers are an every day item inside and outside and represent so many things including love and  thoughtfulness. 

Flowers are probably the most recognised 'everyday 

Research - Flowers

We see flowers every day and are given as an everyday thought.

Weird Facts About Flowers:

  • Some flowers are carnivorous and trap insects to digest them.
  • Flowers can hear buzzing bees.
  • Some flowers are used as natural insecticides.
  • Flowers are thermogenic and can generate heat to attract pollinators.
  • There are over 300,000 different species of flowering plants in the world!

  • Flowers are known to emit a faint humming noise that is inaudible to humans.

  • Flowers are capable of growing incredibly fast. For example, the world’s fastest-growing flower is the bamboo orchid, which can grow up to 12 inches in a single day.

  • Flowers are interesting not just for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties. For example, the Aloe vera plant is commonly used to treat burns and wounds.

  • Flowers have been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. For example, lotus flowers were associated with the sun god Ra in ancient Egypt.

  • Some flowers are capable of moving, a trait that is known as thigmotropism.

 

 

 

Day 11 - Friday 2nd February 2024

Favourite

 

 

Another day in Southport, but this time to do some shopping. I wanted to capture some of the Victorian buildings and their individual beauty, plus images around my supermarket. All images have been taken going too and from the supermarket and then my journey home. 

My favourite image is the one of Wayfarers Arcade and the architectural beauty it boasts every day. There are many empty shops in the Wayfarers due to the high rentals impacted by the high running costs of a steel Victorian structure. The Wayfarers Arcade needs to be protected and its owners have unsuccessfully applied for many grants to pay for the upkeep of the building.

Research - Wayfarers Arcade, Southport

The Wayfarers Arcade is an every day building used as an everyday shopping centre. Wayfarers Arcade is a Grade II listed, 125-year-old Victorian Shopping Arcade, which is renowned as an iconic attraction both within Southport and the Northwest region. It draws people from far and wide to view its spectacular architecture and enjoy its special atmosphere. The Arcade first opened in October 1898 and was originally called the Leyland Arcade, after Southport MP, Sir Herbert Leyland. The arcade was the idea of John Humphrey Plummer, a Victorian entrepreneur, who at the time owned most of the shops on Lord Street.

 

 

Day 12 - Saturday 3rd February 2024

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A day in Liverpool was the objective of day 13. I wanted to capture City images and, in particular, my journey to Bold Street, where my favourite café is situated. Leaf is a very popular establishment that is open every day of the week. It accommodates all age groups and caters for all every day teas and coffees. 

My favourite image is one of a jug of water (Every day needs) surrounded by glasses. We cannot live without water and, as humans, must drink this every day.

Research - Water

Water is an everyday essential drunk every day.

There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when the Earth was formed. The water from your faucet could contain molecules that dinosaurs drank.

Water is composed of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen. 2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen = H2O.

Nearly 97% of the world’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of humanity’s needs — all its agricultural, residential, manufacturing, community, and personal needs.

Water regulates the Earth’s temperature. It also regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes.

75% of the human brain is water and 75% of a living tree is water.

A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

Water is part of a deeply interconnected system. What we pour on the ground ends up in our water, and what we spew into the sky ends up in our water.

Water expands by 9% when it freezes. Frozen water (ice) is lighter than water, which is why ice floats in water.

 

 

Day 13 - Sunday 4th February 2024

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Day 14 sees me visit my estranged wife's home. All images are of every day items found in the home including books, cutlery, fruit, cup of tea and furniture. All of these items can be found in most homes and used on an every daybasis. 

My favourite image is the only one of food throughout my 20 daily images. Fruit is an every day necessity to provide much needed vitamins and can be found in most homes and other premises. Fruit is also considered one of your '5 a day' fruit and veg.

Research - Fruit

Fruit is considered one of the everyday 5 to be eaten every day.

Fruit is considered one of the 5 essentials for a healthy every day life. Here are some interesting facts about fruit:

Bananas are berries, but strawberries are not.

A pomegranate can hold up to 1400 seeds.

Cranberries can bounce.

A pumpkin is a fruit.

Not all oranges are orange. In subtropical regions the temperature is not hot enough and ripe oranges can remain green or yellow.

Figs match milk in calcium.

Kiwis contain more vitamin C than oranges.

Durian is the smelliest fruit in the world and grows in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. It smells of rotten eggs, sweaty socks or household rubbish.

 

 

Day 14 - Monday 5th February 2024

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Day 15 is of images inside my home. Most are personal every day images and represent me. I wanted to photograph what is important to me as an individual and my every day items. I always have sweets in my home for my grandson and my favourite image is my 'family wall' which I look at every day. My family is the most important thing in my life and my family wall reminds me every day how lucky I am to have them.

Research - Family photographs

Family photos are an everyday reminder of our friends and family. I look at them every day. They remind you of your family and your love for one another. Your family portraits bring joy and, in hard times, can bring comfort. Family portraits date back to the early 19th century. The first known photograph was taken by French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the late 1820's. By around 1840, photographic skills and techniques had developed sufficiently for commercial studios to produce one-off photographs called 'daguerreotypes'.

Family photos connect us to those who came before. By letting your kids see your photos from the past and the present, they become connected to their own story. They know the family members and ancestors who came before them and helped shape the world and person they see today.

 

 

Day 15 - Tuesday 6th February 2024

Favourite

 

Today took me around the back of the courts in Preston and into Preston Bus Station. There appears to be a lot of depravation here and an area that is not well maintained. My objective was to pick images that would depict this area and then into the bus station.

Preston Bus Station is an iconic building photographed by many. The station a survived a demolition order and now stands proud in the centre of the City.

My favourite image is an abstract view of  Bus Station itself. It highlights its 1960's concrete structure. It is considered, by some, to be one of the most iconic buildings in the UK.

Research - Preston Bus Station

Preston Bus Station is an iconic everyday essential for travel, used by people every day. Preston bus station was built by Ove Arup and Partners in the 'Brutalist' architectural style between 1968 and 1969, to a design by Keith Ingham and Charles Wilson .

In the 2000s the building was threatened with demolition as part of the City Council's Tithebarn redevelopment project. After two unsuccessful attempts, it was granted Grade II listed building status in September 2013. It was then refurbished and officially re-opened in 2018. In October 2014, the Lancashire County Council announced plans for a £23 million renovation of the bus station, including "Youth zone" facilities for young people, along with a new public square on the western side of the building to improve public access to and from Fishergate, St John's Shopping Centre and the Preston Guild Hall. The 'youth zone' was later cancelled.

The Bus Station celebrated its 50th anniversary in March 2019.and was recognised with an exhibition named 'Beautiful and Brutal' at the Harris Museum. The public were asked to submit relevant photographs and personal memorabilia, some of which were also displayed at the bus station.

 

 

Day 16 - Wednesday 7th February 2024

Favourite

 

 

 

 

Day 17 saw me visit Embley's Garden Centre in Tarleton. A Garden Centre is full of everyday items, particularly at this time of year as people are starting to plant the 'bedding plants' ready for the Spring and Summer.

For my favourite image I have chosen an image of 'household plants'. My reasoning is that 95% of people have house plants in their home and can be considered an everyday item. My image reflects the colour and shapes of household plants  and the beauty of indoor plants.

Research - Household Plants

Plants are an everyday essential watered by homeowners every day.

Without plants there would be no food. All carbon in proteins, fats and carbohydrates is derived from photosynthesis in plants. Everything we eat, including meat from animals (which feed on plants) is a result of plants using the energy in sunlight to take carbon dioxide and create complex carbon-containing molecules.

5 Fun Facts About House Plants:

  • They purify the air! 
  • Decrease your stress levels. A new plant addition in your home can make life less stressful,
  • Plants love music.
  • Plants reduce noise pollution.
  • Plants boost your immune system!

 

 

 

Day 17 - Thursday 8th February 2024

Favourite

 

 

I spent most of day 18 in the studio learning about new lighting techniques and taking portraits of Uclan's music department. All items are everyday found in the studio.

This was probably my most challenging day with this exercise in terms of finding everyday items.

With regard to my favourite image, I found a collection of safety pins and took a 'random' shot of them on the shelf. The way they are set interested me and, in my opinion, typifies the everyday.

Research - The household safety pin

Safety pins are an everyday item, used every day.

Safety pins hold a value in certain cultures and traditions. In India pins are kept over generations and passed down to daughters. Ukrainians use pins as a way to ward off evil spirits when attached to children's clothing. In other countries a safety pin is a form of good luck.

Walter Hunt invented the safety pin as we know it today. His 'improved' pin design included a clasp that covered the point and kept it from opening, and a circular twist at the bend to act as a spring and hold it in place.

 

 

Day 18 - Friday 9th February 2024

Favourite

 

 

Day 18 took me to Liverpool waterfront where there are many interesting images to capture and people to meet, see and photograph.

I wanted to illustrate the obvious and discreet without the need to photograph the river.

With regard to my favourite image, Liverpool waterfront is well known for its 'love locks' and my image captures a 'love lock' attached to the chain fencing in 2019. Everyday people visit these locks every day casting their thoughts over the locks that now number over 1000.

Research - The Liverpool Lovelocks 

Lovelocks can be found every day, reminding us of our everyday love for someone. Love locks are a symbol of everlasting love, a sign of an unbreakable bond and a beautifully significant moment you can share with someone. A love lock is a padlock which people attach to a fence or bridge or other permanent structure to signify their love. These locks can be found all over the world and there are some at Liverpool's Albert Dock. Locks have been added to the fences near the River Mersey decorating the chains with symbols of love. Many of them have been inscribed with messages and as you walk along, you notice beautiful and intricate padlock designs along with the with different dates such as when couples met, were engaged and married. Love locks can be found around the world, although not all authorities like them with many having them removed. Many believe the tradition started in Paris with travellers and locals alike filling bridges around the Seine. However, it is a relatively new tradition in Paris, only gaining popularity from 2008 onward. The concept was brought over to Paris from other European cities where people had already started decorating bridges. The actual tradition is believed to have started over 100 years ago during the first world war. Women would write the names of their loved ones on a padlock in the hope it would protect them whilst they were away fighting.

 

 

Day 19 - Saturday 10th February 2024

Favourite

On my second day in Liverpool, I spent some time in the re-developed 'Albert Dock'. Now a busy tourist attraction, I was confident of finding everyday images. 

My biggest problem was the hoards of people visiting the site and being able to take pictures without a 'photo bomb'.

There are many photo opportunities in the Albert Dock and I wanted to capture how the complex integrates the new and the old.

For my favourite image, I chose the sign for the 'Tate Art Gallery'. It is unfortunately closed for refurbishment, however, re-opens in 2025 and will feature a new public art hall, double-height galleries and more social space.

 

Research - The Liverpool Tate

The Tate is a Gallery exhibiting our everyday heritage every day. In the 1980s Alan Bowness, then director of Tate, decided to create a ‘Tate of the North’, as the project became known. This would be a gallery with a distinct identity, dedicated to showing modern art and encouraging a new, younger audience through an active education programme.
A warehouse at the disused Albert Dock in Liverpool was chosen as the site for the new gallery. The dock, once a bustling site crammed with rich cargos from Asia, tea, silk, tobacco and spirits, was derelict. In 1981 the dockyard underwent a rejuvenation, with the Maritime Museum leasing one of the warehouses and restaurants and bars opening.
In 1985, James Stirling was commissioned to design the new Tate Gallery at Liverpool. His designs left the exterior of the brick and stone building built over a colonnade of sturdy Doric columns almost untouched, but transformed the interior into an arrangement of simple, elegant galleries suitable for the display of modern art. It opened to the public in May 1988.
2008 marked the year Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture. To celebrate this, in 2007 the gallery hosted the Turner Prize, the first time the competition was held outside London. More than 600,000 visitors a year visit Tate Liverpool, cementing its position as a venue for major European exhibitions of modern art.

 

 

Day 20 - Sunday 11th February 2024

Favourite

 

For my final day I wanted to explore Liverpool's derelict buildings that stretch from the City centre towards the Seaforth container base. 

These buildings are easily accessible, however, sit in areas of Liverpool that are only frequented by vagrants. 

The three, four and five storey buildings remind us of a thriving port that once handled grain, timber and tobacco. Distributing it to the rest of the UK via the roads and railway. Today we see only a relic of what remains but a fascinating sight none the less.

My favourite image, I feel, captures the feeling of dereliction. An original doorway and letterbox now welded up to prevent anybody from entering. A doorway with a history that time has forgotten.

Research - Liverpool Docks

The Liverpool Docks are everyday buildings now standing derelict every day.

The history of Liverpool can be traced back to 1190 when the place was known as 'Liuerpul', possibly meaning a pool or creek with muddy water, though other origins of the name have been suggested.

The first enclosed commercial maritime dock in the world was opened in Liverpool in 1715 and was originally known as Thomas Steer's dock.(we now call this long-filled dock the Old Dock). Over the next 200 years Liverpool built more than 50 docks, stretching seven miles from Seaforth in the north to Dingle oil terminal in the south.

The Albert Dock on Liverpool's waterfront was an architectural triumph that opened in 1846 and was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone.

Liverpool played an important role in the growth of the British Empire and became the major port for the mass movement of people, e.g. slaves and emigrants from northern Europe to America. Liverpool was a pioneer in the development of modern dock technology, transport systems and port management.

Most of the smaller south end docks were closed in 1971 with Brunswick Dock remaining until closure in 1975. Many docks have been filled in to create land for buildings: at the Pier Head, an arena at Kings Dock, commercial estates at Toxteth and Harrington Docks and housing at Herculaneum Dock.