While covering a conference at Aberystwyth Arts centre there’s usually a chance to have a quick look at whatever exhibitions are currently there. This weekend that meant seeing the excellent photographs of Robert Mapplethorpe. It’s part of the Tate’s Artist Rooms on Tour project which you can find out about here. It’s on at Aberystwyth till … More Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition, Aberystwyth
The Welsh rock photographer, Chalkie Davies had about as close a front row seat as you could wish for of some of the most extraordinary episodes in music history as this exhibition shows. My personal favourite is this of Ian Dury which made me laugh out loud. I also liked this unexpected pairing: Nick Lowe and … More Chalkie Davies exhibition, Cardiff
This image is of ‘The Magic Crystal’ or ‘The Crystal Gazer’, by Gertrude Käsebier, 1904. It’s from the the Royal Photography Society collection at the National Media Museum in Bradford I know it, of course, from the cover of ‘Pearly Dewdrops’ Drops’/ ‘Spangle Maker’ EP by Cocteau Twins.
Two extraordinary and contrasting images from the Folio Society edition of Hugh Thomas’ comprehensive history, ‘The Spanish Civil War.’ Above is a picture of the jailed Catalan government in May 1935. Amongst those staring at the camera from behind bars, Lluís Companys is third from left. The image below is much earlier - from 1926 … More Friday Picture (s) Spanish Civil War
I took this while I was walking home from the launch of Wales Arts Review’s Newport edition a couple of weeks ago. The event was remarkable for its proud, optimistic, warm-hearted yet unsentimental view of the town/city in which we live. As I crossed Newport Bridge I was struck by the sight of our new … More Muddy star Newport
Enclosing Cardiff Bay is a barrage which you can walk across. The engineering end is actually near Penarth. I don’t know whose idea this was but it’s a great one. As you walk through the engineering stretch, you notice stretches of yellow paint seemingly at random. It’s only when you look back that you realise … More Optical illusion at Cardiff Bay barrage
I have never been on a helter-skelter. When I was very young, they seemed to exist only in Enid Blyton books and comics, something of the past which looked so amazing to me. I don’t remember ever seeing one in real life. I still like to see them and I still haven’t been on one. … More Helter Skelter in Cardiff Bay
Don’t ask me what this is about. I walked past it on my way to the European Parliament in Strasbourg the other week.
They don’t make them like this anymore. This was the photo from my first year in my hall of residence, Hiatt Baker, at Bristol University. It now looks like it’s from the 1940s but just to prove it actually dates from the late 1980s, here’s a close-up. Even I had hair in those days.
I’m very lucky to live near Wentwood or Coed Gwent. Within a few minutes I can be lost in the woods and not see anyone for hours. Just me, the pooch, the trees and the bluebells which makes it a favourite place for walking and thinking when I get the time. I was struck today … More Walking in Wentwood
