Lightship

It was a watery-themed day when Brian and I went out last week, cameras at the ready, to explore some of the Sharpness Canal for possible photographic opportunities.

I was captivated by this 50 year-old lightship. She is currently moored in Sharpness Shipyard, where her owners are busy working hard to restore her, intending to make not only a permanent home for themselves, but also build a training facility for those wishing to learn about a range of alternative therapies. The Spur Lightship will, when finished, be towed up to Gloucester docks (lightships have no engines of their own), where, when moored, she will become one of the main marine attractions there. I am looking forward to that.

Jan van der Elsen, one of her present owners, knows more than a thing or two about lightships. He is also well versed in rather more metaphysical subjects. Brian and I could have talked with him for hours, but that would have stopped the crucial work in progress in front of us, so we bade a fond “adieu” to this very fine old lady of the sea, promising to return another day.

This picture in the series I made appealed to me more than my others, because of the reflected light patterns on the ship’s strongly coloured, beautifully curvaceous steel hull. Essentially it is always, for me, about working with the best light that’s available.

Comments

[Lee]

Lovely effect! Thank you.

[Peter Bryenton]

Cheers, Lee.

[Kim Espinosa]

I am mainly referring to the experience (listed online at http://www.meryl.net/ci/archives/004683.html) with your friend Andrew. You may or may not know much in respects to the deaf community, but it is nice to talk to someone who has had an experience or two. Thank you!