Jehovahs witnesses stand beneath the arches of the 16thC “Stonebow” in the High St at the bottom of what was once the Roman Lincoln Colonia.
The “Stonebow” we see today replaced the original Roman Southern Gate to the city. It was completed in 1520 and has survived two seperate decisions to demolish it.
PDBarton
30.12.2019
This image is of ‘Human Artists Mannequins’ dumped in a vacated coffee shop.
Lincoln
2019.
An exhibition of picture by the artist Jacob Lawson opened in the Sam Scorer Gallery in Lincoln this week.
It’s hard to believe this is Jacob’s first show. What is not hard to believe is the work is strong, strident and selling well, The first images were snapped up by a buyer from Germany.
This is a must see show. Be ready for an overload for the eye. If there is one criticism it would be there is simply too much.
Go to see if you can. The show is open until 4pm on the 22nd December.
You can find information about Jacob, his work and the gallery here…
PDBarton.
Lincoln,
16th December 2019.
This weekend, it’s the Christmas Market in Lincoln. I rarely go into the city at this time but yesterday I did.
It’s the usual mayhem – and this was just on a Saturday morning, I’m told it’s much more crowded when it’s dark- with thousands of people puffing and panting their way from the lower ground at the bottom of the city, up Steep Hill – and it is – to the Cathedral Quarter at the top of the city. I walked down the hill against the flow. The crowd was that dense it was difficult to pass.
The castle and the asylum grounds were open and were filled with the usual Christmas market stuff, tat and tacky gifts, mulled wine with a side order of fast food. I’ll give you that the surroundings are very special with the 1000 year old cathedral as a backdrop. And yes, at night I’m sure it provides a very special experience but, it all seems like a senseless waste of money.
I was talking to a Big Issue vendor. I asked him if he sold more papers at this event. He said he did, slightly, but that it was ‘overwhelming’. It was all too much for him and he was going home. This excess just made me think of those who have little, and how this time of year must magnify the differences.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses occupy their usual spot under the Medieval ‘Stonebow’ arch in centre of the city; all glowing, well fed faces with their leaflets and signage, “Find Family Happiness” it said. A homeless man with his swaddled canine friend sat nearby, the ghosts of Christmas shoppers drift by, faceless.
I was struck by the tragic image created. Have’s and have not’s all in one frame. Religion and poverty side by side. Trite, hollow, unhelpful messages about imaginary friends and yet they seem oblivious to the tragedy at their feet. The Christian message – at least as I understand it – seems weak in them, perhaps in us all – and that’s from an atheists.
I’m reminded of some time spent in India when we experienced Langar* at a Gurdwara provided by the followers of Sikhism. Free food is provide for all. Langar is provided by Sikhs all around the world. Iv’e seen it in Birmingham. The Sikh community provides excellent free food to those in need, or indeed anybody who wishes to take it. That’s what you call a caring community.
*served to all, without distinction of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity.
PD Barton
Lincoln 2019
Lincoln 2017.
Wall of Death rider and audience, Lincolnshire Show Ground, August 2009.
Lincoln castle sits high on Lincoln Edge, overlooking the city.
Within the space created by the Norman curtain wall defences of the castle there is an early Victorian Prison, now disused, and a building housing Law Courts. The law courts are still in use. It’s not at all unusual to see prison vans delivering those who are about to be put on trial lined up, within the walls, at the back of the law courts.
It was a sunny day towards the end of September 2019. I was walking the circuit along the top of the castle wall. Looking down into the castle I saw a couple of Barristers discussing a case, probably with their instructing solicitor.
PDBarton
Lincoln 2019
A picture taken in Boston, near to St Botolphs church, aka Boston Stump.
This image was originally taken as part of a series I was making about the meridian as it passes through Lincolnshire. However, it does have carryover to other series; for example the series on dumped furniture and another on reduced landscapes.
The abstraction of what I saw appealed to me greatly.
PDBarton
November 2019
The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, except perhaps, when it has swarms of tourists all over it. Sue and I were there at the end of 2007.
We arrived in the extreme cold and dark of an early morning. Abhishek had got us out of our beds saying “you have to be early”.
As the sun came up the Taj appeared from the obscuring still mist, The rays of the sun glinted off pieces of pieces of semi precious stones inlaid into the dome. It was a truly wonderful experience.
Shortly afterwards masses of tourist appeared, all vying to sit on the “Lady Diana” bench to get a selfie with the glorious Taj behind them. The moment was lost.
Yes these images are touristy, but that’s what we were, simply tourists. Just two amongst the throng. And would I have missed it? Not a chance. Exquisite and wonderful.
PDBarton
Lincoln 2019
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