We all have a favourite bridge. What's yours? I've actually got two; I know, that's just greedy. Number One has to be this beauty from my hometown. (Though it wasn't actually built at the time I emerged kicking and screaming into the Hull of the 1960s.) However, the Tees Transporter Bridge, just an hour or so up the coast from the River Humber and opened in 1911, most certainly was. And unlike the Humber Bridge, I've actually painted the Tees Transporter more times than I've photographed it. So, coming back from a weekend in Newcastle I couldn't resist calling into Ironopolis* and shooting it again - the first time in nearly 20 years. It probably won't surprise you that sometimes I get quite emotional when photographing iconic buildings and structures. I can't help it. Anyway, I was OK; thank you Middlesboro' - I won't leave it so long next time.
* By the end of the 19th century Middlesborough was producing a third of the UK's Pig Iron output. It was during this time it earned the 'Ironopolis' moniker.
Top 3. Stockport Viaduct. Widnes Bridge. The Humber Bridge.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Adam. I'm familiar with Stockport Viaduct but not Widnes Bridge. However, I've just Googled it and think I might have to give it a coat of looking at next time I come through!
DeleteCan I offer up the Clyde Arc aka The Squinty Bridge.
ReplyDeleteNice one, CC! Another one I need to see at close quarters.
DeleteAesthetically as well as emotionally, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the (old) Severn Bridge are up there for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, K - two classics.
DeleteI assume you're familiar with the third series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet, in which our heroes disassemble (and later reassemble elsewhere) the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge? Highly recommended, why aye man.
ReplyDeleteOf course! That's how it first appeared on my radar.
DeleteWhy aye, indeed.
That was the first thought that came into my head too, TS.
DeleteThe London Millennium Bridge is a favourite for me, not only beautiful but also the portal to all that art at the Tate Modern.
Another good call, C. On a similar tack, I crossed the Millennium Bridge while I was up in Newcastle last weekend to get to the fabulous Baltic. I posted all those photos (as I do most of my pix, to be fair) over on Twitter.
Delete(Also, there is a crossover with the responses to this post and September's photo challenge.)