Walking along the canal towpath towards Saltaire, one is greeted by this eyesore - a warehouse that belongs to Salts Mill and adjoins the actual mill itself. At one time the canalside margin was softened by shrubs that had been allowed to grow unchecked but they were removed a year or two ago. Now all you see is this drab green, corrugated shed. I don't know how old it is... I don't think it is Victorian like the rest of the mill. Sitting just outside the boundary, it's hardly a good introduction to our World Heritage Site, in my view. You'd think they could find a way of improving the aesthetic! On the day I took the photo, the calm conditions at least made for a dramatically perfect reflection in the water. I often think there can be beauty in the ordinary but I struggle to find it here.
A little further along, where a whisper of breeze ruffled the canal's surface, the reflection of the old mill's stonework is, to my eye, rather more pleasing.
Beyond the green shed, the iconic view of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal cutting through the mill complex is familiar and yet always, to me, astonishing in its grandeur. (Photo taken from my archives, which explains the leaves on the trees!)
Those ugly flat sides are just inviting murals. At least on the landward side of the building. Being near the water might make them iffy for weathering through time. But it's just this creative person's thought. Love that water does so many different things, which you capture so well.
ReplyDeleteNot a pretty sight.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, even an eyesore often looks better when doubled by a water reflection, though! ;-)
ReplyDelete