Another Place

July 25, 2019July 25, 2019 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

This stretch of coast is within easy striking distance of Manchester, here in the north-west of England.

Crosby beach is already a lovely stretch of sand sweeping north of Liverpool, but has had an added attraction since 2005.

Renowned British sculptor Antony Gormley created 100 bronze male figures (cast in the image of his own body) which are dotted along the shoreline and without doubt totally compelling.

I finally went to Crosby in late May, and was thoroughly drawn to the statues and their places on the shore. I nearly lost a pair of shoes to the silt and was surprised by the speed of the incoming tide – so be careful when your desire to photograph takes over!

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Mersey meets the sea

November 5, 2017November 4, 2017 / mikeosbornphoto / 16 Comments

It didn’t take me long to return to the Wirral Peninsula after being bowled over by the seaside and estuary town of West Kirby.

On the opposite of this nub of land is the resort of New Brighton, which sits at the mouth of the mighty River Mersey and close to the great city of Liverpool. In Victorian times it was a coastal mecca with a pier, mighty tower and many visitors.

That period magnificence may have disappeared, but this area has engaging views, open seas and industrial colour, fishermen and a landmark lighthouse. It’s a northern spot well worth visiting.

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Stately Cheshire

July 9, 2017July 9, 2017 / mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

Tatton Park is a grand mansion with sumptuous grounds which was once home to a very privileged family. But these days, it attracts thousands of visitors and is an excellent day trip from Manchester.

There are formal gardens, water features and even an old potting shed to explore, while an orchid show was a dazzling side attraction. The house is exquisitely decorated. Photography is permitted but the light is kept very low, which may have proved to be an unexpected advantage…

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The walled island

July 31, 2016July 30, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 11 Comments

Canvey Island lies in the Thames estuary in my native county of Essex. Its history was scarred by a devastating flood in 1953 which claimed 58 lives and led to the construction of miles of protective high sea walls.

I returned recently having visited relatives there as a child, but this was my first taste of Canvey’s walls and waterfront on a warm, humid summer’s day. It was full of daytripping families, some local voices peppered with Eastern European migrants. The painted walls tell the story of 1953 against the backdrop of amusements and cafes selling ice-cream and burgers.

The estuary landscape is stark but beautiful, with the crowds of people adding colour and life to photographs. It’s a place of both symmetry and the unpredictability of life.

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Bracing

January 3, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 14 Comments

The British coast in winter is often freezing. A little desolate. And with leaden, depressing skies. But it’s not all bad news.

The coastline around Hunstanton in Norfolk has broad, sandy beaches and a magical low tide which make bracing walks longer and more invigorating. Those skies stretch the horizon, while the empty beach huts stand proud and colourful. Strong winds brought paragliders to the water and dozens of strollers were not deterred by the odd miniature sandstorm.

I came here three years ago but this time it felt different. My eyes were drawn to the architectural details of the seaside and those huge vistas which the camera devoured with pleasure. The inspiration had changed but it was still winter – and was wrapped up warmly.