(Unframed 12″x18″ print available for £55 + UK postage, on Epson enhanced matte paper. Email for further details).
THE TYNE BRIDGE is the north east’s number one landmark; with Antony Gormley’s Angel hovering just below it.
The bridge has become the region’s icon during its 84 years. It forms the backdrop for everything filmed in Newcastle, from the Likely Lads in the 60s to Our Friends in the North in the 90s, to the film Get Carter somewhere in between. Annually, since 1981, 50,000 pairs of legs have swarmed across it on an autumn Sunday to compete in the world’s biggest half marathon, The Great North Run.
Brewed since 1927 Newcastle Brown Ale bottles – the champagne of the north – depict its silhouette on their famous blue star labels, like a Meccano sun setting over the Tyne. Side on, straddling the river, is how it’s mainly been photographed, and therefore this is how it’s become crystallized in people’s minds.
But viewed from this slightly different angle provides more architectural context, and you can admire some of the beautiful Georgian buildings, between which it was slid in 1928, as a ship into the river.
I took it while I was moseying around the quayside looking for, well, a different angle from the one along the river, and I hope you agree that the bitter morning stroll was worthwhile.
Happy 2012.
[January 2012].
DRIVING INTO BBC Birmingham’s studios to photograph some of the station’s presenters I tune the radio into WM to get up to speed with the local news and views. Joanne Malin is talking to a woman from Bromsgrove who has written a book about curries and, as their aromatic conversation oozes from the speakers, I do optimistically wonder if any spicy snacks will be on offer when I arrive.
