Hockney and Saltaire
Recently we have had a bit of a resurgence in playing the recorder in these parts, having received a Treble for Christmas. For a bit of a day out we decided to take a trip over to Saltaire – not far up the road (or canal tow-path if you have the stamina) from Leeds, largely because of the presence of the Early Music Shop and the fact I wanted a Sopranino. I also found a Garklein – a ridiculously small recorder, something I had been wanting for a while, not that my fingers can really squeeze their way to cover all the holes…
Of course the imposing structure of Saltaire is the massive Salt’s Mill – I swear this is as big as the original village itself – now partially occupied by various offices, but also with a massive public area, containing galleries and shops – the entire floor devoted to art materials has to be seen to be believed.
David Hockney’s “Arrival of Spring in Woldgate” was showing – this is a series of images drawn on his iPad charting the changes in this yorkshire village, which were quite compelling, and have also give me some inspiration to work in a similar style on canvas with the day-glo acryllics I picked up recently.
Saltaire is small, but has lots to see, and if you fancy a walk down the canal past Shipley, Saltaire Brewery Tap serves a nice pint.
Here’s a few more pictures from other times I have been there.
