Cotswolds Lavender Fields

This summer, all the flowers, plants and trees are 2 to 3 weeks late.  After the late appearance of the poppies, it was noticeable that the purple lavender was also not as rich in colour as last year.  This did not stop us making a visit to the Cotswolds lavender fields.  This year we had all three grandchildren with us and there are so many photographic opportunities.  However, whilst the location is superb, trying to get three young children who love nothing more than running up and down the lines of the lavender fields to stay still for photos is more difficult.  Whilst the lavender are in the early stages of growing, the wild flower fields were up and running.  Yet again great for the children to be running around. 

Cotswolds Lavender Fields
Close up of the lavender
Cotswolds Lavender Fields
Lots of photographic opportunities
Cotswold Lavender Fields
Pictures of the family
Cotswold Lavender Fields
Wild Flowers
Cotswold Lavender Fields
Maybe a little early in the season but still beautiful

After a picnic, we moved onto Broadway Tower which is nearby.  Compared to last year when the pandemic had made such visits more worrying, this year it looked like a normal English summer around the Tower.  The only tale tail sign were people wearing masks when in the local shop and restaurant.  The views were good and the tower looked as always so interesting.  Looking to get a different picture, I wandered around and shot upwards to avoid the crowds.  I was happy with my picture but then again, the traditional view when you first see the tower is always an inspiring one.

Broadway Tower
Looking up
Broadway Tower
A classic view of the Tower with the RAF memorial

The Open Arms

The pandemic has started a trend for outdoor eating with many different venues coming up with novel ways to make the experience more enjoyable.  Last year, I saw the pictures of the Open Arms at Warwick Castle.  What an iconic place to enjoy a drink and something to eat.  Further reading revealed that the Digbeth Dining Company were involved and then I knew the quality of the food would be good.  Add in that the beer is supplied by local brewery Purity then my mind was made up.  I did my homework and found out that it was just under £20 to book a table for 6 people. 

The Open Arms
Onwards towards the table
The Open Arms
The steak was cooked to perfection
The open Arms
Burgers galore
The Open Arms
Lots of Spicy Foods as well

The food is brought at the DDC outlets and there is table service for the drinks.  What could stop me?  The inclement English weather for one thing, and I thought an evening in June should be OK as I booked the table online for family and friends evening.  Nervously checking the weather forecast the heat broke and there was rain.  Fortunately, it cleared up and the venue gave the green light.  The Open Arms are very good as they will let you know if there are problems and although it can’t be helped any rebooking is a disappointment.  However, it is something you have to expect with open dining not everything in this world is predictable.

Parking is in the Castle grounds for a nominal fee and then there is a security check to go through.  We were in the Castle Courtyard and having ordered drinks we checked out the food outlets.  The quality of the food is excellent and there is a range catering from vegans to meat lovers.  Our party enjoyed a range of food from steak and chips to the Asian food offering.  No one was disappointed and the food presentation and quality was good.  The price of the meals ranged from £10 to 15.  Deserts were from the cheesecake outlet and I treated myself to a Guardians of the Galaxy chocolate fantasia followed by Coffee.  Drinks were served promptly and Longhorn IPA, Bunny Hop and Lawless larger which are part of the Purity family were available.  There were red and white house wines available plus non-alcoholic drinks. 

The Open Arms
Guardians of the Glaxy

What made the evening so enjoyable was eating in the Warwick castle courtyard.  What would the past inhabitants make of all the common peasants eating in their backyard.  Quite a thought.  There was a special patrol through the tables by the local head peacock who made sure everyone was enjoying themselves.  As it gets darker, the castle walls are lit up in different colours.  Then it is time to go as our carriages wait for us.  The evening was even better than I expected with good food and ale and company of family and friends.  This experience is being repeated at various venues across the West Midlands.  Just think before Covid19, would we have even given such an idea a second thought.  Now we realise that it is such a fun experience why did we not think of it before. Looking at the DDC site, there are other iconic venues including the site of Coventry Cathedral to visit.  Let’s just hope we have a sunny evening!

The Open Arms
The Castle Courtyard
The Open Arms
Peacock Patrol
The Open Arms
Damien and Sandy enjoying the Open Arms
The Open Arms
Over the moat to the courtyard

If you want to make a weekend of it, why not visit Warwick and my blog provides links to the Streets of Warwick and Lord Leycester’s Hospital which are well worth a visit.


Poppy Fields, Leamington Spa, 2021

Poppy field season is upon us and after a very damp May, it is noticeable that many plants and flowers are delayed in making their appearance by around 2 to 3 weeks.  The recent bout of sunshine has had a dramatic effect on everything, stimulating the countryside into life.  It is lovely to see all the flowers in full bloom.  But back to poppies, each year one finds it increasingly difficult to find these elusive flowers.  Farmers appear reluctant to let their fields turn into a sea of red for fear of the unwelcome attraction it brings.  For photographers such red carpets are a heavenly delight designed by the supreme being to bring joy to anybody who loves taking a picture.  Keeping to the sides of the field and not trampling the delicate flowers into the ground is part of our photographic code.  We too are horrified by the poor regard some members of the public have for poppy fields which in turn make it difficult for others. Therefore if visiting such places then respect the countryside.

Poppy Field
A carpet of red

I got the call (via Facebook) from my Photo Buddy, John Bray, informing me that a Poppy Field had been sighted just north of Leamington Spa.  It had already been announced on the local Facebook pages.  The field is not that accessible being surrounded on two sides by a country road that is better described as speed test track for the locals.  The partially hidden gate leads into the field which has a gentle westerly elevation.  Taking care not to trample more vegetation than is absolutely necessary, we slowly navigate ourselves to the top of the field taking pictures along the way.  We arrived at the field at 7.30pm and then by 8.45pm we had filled up our photocards with red poppies.  There will be some serious editing of the numbers of pictures taken when I get back home. 

Poppy Field
Making sure to stay to the paths around the field

When you are in a poppy field there is the intense red of the flower petals and then there is the gentle swaying of the stems in the breeze.  It is most restful and soothing to gaze over the red rippling petals of the flowers.

Taking pictures of poppies is one of personal taste.  I like the distant telephoto shots where the flowers are compressed, and you are able to convey the carpet of red.  For many of the pictures. I placed my polariser filter on the lens so as to pick out the reds.  Also concentration is needed so that the horizon does not go wonky or there are any unnecessary distractions inadvertently included in the picture. 

Poppy Field
Some poppies are higher than others
Poppy Field
The Poppy Field set in the surrounding countryside

There was strong sunlight, so I was able to use it to my advantage to back light the stems of the poppies.  This makes for an attractive look and highlights the spikey hairs on the stems. 

Poppy Field
Back lit poppies

There is also the “kitchen sink factor” where I wish I had brought all my lenses including my wide angled lens.  I should also have brought my graduated filters.  What I did bring that still surprises me with its quality, is my Fujifilm x100v and of course I did have my iPhone.  But the workhorse of the evening was my Canon 5D mark IV with both 24-105mm and the 70-200mm lens.  And the all-important tripod.

Poppy Field
Captured in a mini world

I also brought my lens ball.  I never know when it is going to be a good picture when I use it.  I was happy with the result of this picture with the poppies even though it was hand held.

Poppy Field
Deep red poppy colour

Decision time!  Where is the best picture for that sunset view?  There is a hint that we may get a colourful sunset, so we had to find the ideal place.  This is where you get an adrenaline rush and we pushed to the back of the field.  There was dense overgrowth but luckily there was a path on the perimeter that allowed us to get a view of the sunset radiating over the field.  We were happy with the position of our cameras on for the photographs.  Taking pictures of the sunset can be tricky and without my graduated filter (mental note must remember to bring this in future trips), I took several bracketed shots with the intention of building up a HDR picture later.  As the light dropped it was possible to compensate for the exposure.

Poppy Field
Sunset clouds and poppies

Then the sunset came into its own and the sky turned a pinky red.  Remember earlier that I said that there is someone up there who enjoys seeing a good photograph.  Well he or she decided to turn on the light show, and it was very much appreciated.  I just retreated into a happy world of taking pictures.  Surfacing around 10 o’clock it was dark, and we had filled our cameras with enough poppy pictures for the evening.

Poppy Field
Beautiful sunset complimenting the poppies
Poppy Field
Yellows and reds of the sunset
Poppy Field
A yellow sky
Poppy Field
A line of red holding up the sunset

Walking back to the car I turned back for one last look and there was the crescent moon in the sky with the embers of the sunset still illuminating the red poppies.  I reflected positively on the evening and John said it had been “A perfect antidote to a crazy life”.

Thank you, Poppies.

Poppy Field
The moon over the poppy field

If you enjoyed reading about this poppy field then you may wish to read my previous blog on Poppy Fields and my other entries on the Cotswolds Lavender fields


Stratford Greenway

Looking for days out with a camera?  Look no further than the Country Parks managed by Warwickshire County Council.  I have featured their parks in my blog with visits to Burton Dassett and Kingsbury water park.  All their parks are well maintained and have many different activities. 

Stratford Greenway
Start of the Stratford Greenway where you collect your bikes
Stratford Greenway
On your bikes and get ready, go

The Stratford Greenway is a 5 mile stretch of disused railway that runs from the west of Stratford dwon towards Long Marston.  Along the way there are iron bridges, signs, wild flowers and beautiful countryside to view.  My photo buddy, John and I met at Stratford Cycle Hire at the start of the trail.  Parking is easy and a short walk leads to two train carriages.  The first is the bicycle hire and the second is Buddy’s Café with views over Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse.  I had previously arrange the bike hire with Vic the owner and there was a cheerful person to meet us and get us ready for our bike ride. 

Stratford Greenway
views over Stratford upon Avon Racecourse

The track runs along the racecourse and the first encounter was the iron railway bridge.  Lots of beautiful rust and overgrowth of bushes etc around the bridge.  There is also the change to get down onto the river path and take some tourist pictures looking back at the bridge.  The bridge is fascinating, and the iron rust makes for contrasting views with the greenery of the countryside.  Many leading lines and processing in black and white.  It was one of those structures that I could have spent a lot of time photographing. 

Stratford Greenway
The river Avon crossed by the old Iron Bridge
Stratford Greenway
Taking pictures

The cycle trail takes you through some picturesque Warwickshire countryside and you are able to move along holding a conversation.  My experience is that the Greenway is relatively quiet and therefore only occasionally do you have to go single file.  This may be different at the weekends.  Several minor roads and farm entrances are passed on the way.  It is part of the National Cycle way and therefore many signs are place commemorating this.

Stratford Greenway
National Cycle Route sign-posts

At Long Marston there is still the old railway lines in the road.  There is a large industrial estate and rail works and so a left turn and around half a mile down the road and you arrive at Expresso Coffee.  Time to sit down with a coffee and a pastry.  The café is owned by ExpressoStation They have outlets at Dorridge and Moor Street railway stations and expanding further afield.  A lovely rustic place to stop and refuel.  Rust is the word in this blog. 

Stratford Greenway
Expresso Station at Long Marston

Then the return journey.  At the half way point we took the right hand fork for a slightly different route and discover another train carriage which is Milcote Station Café.  It was after 4pm so the place was quiet and not open.  However the camera was at the ready and we were able to take some great photos of the place.  Then the final bit back to get the bikes in before 5pm.  There was then a chance to take a few pictures of Bobby’s Deli café and the Stratford Racecourse.

Stratford Greenway
Railtrack wheels
Stratford Greenway
Back of the Carriages
Stratford Greenway
Lightbulbs at Bobby’s
Stratford Greenway
Bobby’s Deli Cafe

A grand day out and one to recommend for photographers who like to add a bike ride to their day out.

If you enjoyed this, then I have other blogs covering the Warwickshire Country Parks
Walking in the hills and discovering Fox Covert covers one of my many visits to Burton Dassett Hills.
Feel free to browse through my blog for a range of places that I have photographed over the recent years. Enjoy!


Charlecote park

So many photographers talk about their 3.30am starts, getting up early so that they are able to catch the sunrise.  This got me thinking that it was time I looked for a good place to visit for a sunrise with a difference.  Amateur photographer had a recent feature on places to visit in the UK whilst interesting, they were a long road trip away, so I searched on the Internet for more suggestions closer to home.  On my search, a 2016 AP article came up from Stu Meech who lives near Charlecote park, a National Trust property in Stratford upon Avon.  What a great read and Stu advises where to park and how to access the public footpath in the park.  So I got ready, packed the gear and went to bed early.  I woke up before the alarm went off at 3.30am and got dressed.  The dog took a while to settle down as I had woken him up, but I eventually got out of the house but silly me, I made the decision to go down on the M42 and M40.  It was the fastest route, but I had not factored in night time roadworks. Eventually I got off the motorway and then the misty wonderland was all around me.  The village of Barford looked marooned by an eerie white carpet which was flowing around the old bridge.  I nearly stopped but Charlecote awaited. 

Charlecote Park
The early morning mist in Charlecote Park
Charlecote Park
Mist and a sunrise in Charlecote Park

Passing through the village of Charlecote, eventual I came across the lay-by described in the article about 50 metres away from the West Gate to the park.  Time 4.35am and all looking good so far.  Once through the gate, there is a recent sign that informs you that you must rigidly stick to the footpath and not to enter other parts of the park.  You may only do so if you have registered with reception (which opens at 9.00am).  Not possible this early in the morning so sticking to the public footpath is the only option.  Everywhere I look the park has a beautiful carpet of mist.  Out of the corner of my eye, I see movement and a herd of the resident fallow deer have picked up the noise that I am making.  Do I stay here, do I take pictures of the deer or do I move on?  Moving on has to be the best option and I eventually come to a hollow where the path opens up to show the beautiful Charlecote House. 

Charlecote Park
Sunrise through the trees
Charlecote Park
Charlecote House in the mist

The sun is impatient and already the beams of light are pressing through the mist.  I find a good spot as the intensity of the sun increases.  Excitement rises.  Do I put a filter on such as my half grad filter. Wide or telephoto lens? Decisions, decisions.  Settling down I switch my lens and filters as I see sunshine hitting the tops of the trees.  Then it starts to lower gradually becoming stronger and stronger.  I place the sun behind a tree, close down the aperture for a potential starburst and take pictures.  The light is magical.  Whilst this is going on, there is a procession of deer and goats passing through my line of sight.  There is too much to take in and I take as many pictures as I possibly can.  My kit bag falls over spilling lenses etc on the dewy grass but luckily, no damage done (I thought).  It was about 6:00am and I had been taking pictures since sunrise at 4.45am. 

Charlecote Park
A misty scene in Black and White

I moved further along the path and then looked over to some trees and saw the deer frolicking in the mist.  Telephoto lens on and more pictures.  One of the pictures of a deer in the mist got a big reaction on my social media. Reflecting I should have brought my 100 to 400mm lens but then I could have brought the kitchen sink as well! Photographers are never happy.

Charlecote park
Morning mist and deer in Charlecote Park

My next steps were to follow the footpath towards the village of Charlecote.  Everything was very quiet in the village and entrance gates to the park were locked.  The church was catching the sun and there were some super photos to take which normally I miss when you are rushing to park and get to the house during a day visit. 

A black and white path with sun and mist.

Then it was time to slowly retrace my steps back to the car.  There were a few more photographs but the mist was gone, having been burnt away by the sun.  The time 7.00am and the day was starting.  An enjoyable drive back home through Stratford and Henley in Arden.  The only drawback was that I left my lens hood in the park.  It was broken and loose on the camera so no regrets.  Leaving bits behind is a photographer’s lot in life but what I took with me was some wonderful pictures of the park.

Did you enjoy this article. Then please follow these links for other articles of taking pictures in the mist and fog. Please comment if you liked it too!
The Fog creates a Black and White Landscape describes a walk in the fog with my camera
Mist at Packwood is about a misty morning at this local National Trust Property

…..and if you go remember to stick to the footpath.

City of Culture 2021

Coventry is the City of Culture for 2021.  This prestigious title runs from  May 2021 to May 2022 and it follows on from Derry/Londonderry in 2013 and Hull in 2017.  Taking my first train for over a year, I set off from Leamington to Coventry.  So let’s be brutal, Coventry is not a place you would first associate with culture but do a little digging and you will be pleasantly surprised.  The home of the Specials and Ska music offers up several delights.  Autumn 2020 was my last visit to the City.  Then my pictures were taken around the two Cathedrals and a brief stroll around town.  This visit began at the train station and we moved through the city to the Canal Basin.  The train station is sixties architecture which has seen better days.  Leaving the station area we moved into the Plaza towards the much loved Trigger statue.  Trigger, a metal horse, was put together by Coventry University student Simon Evans in the 1980s using scrap materials.  Lots of photo opportunities around Trigger whether it is close up details or the interaction of people around it.

Trigger
Trigger, the metal horse
City of Culture 2021
Bustling Street Scene

Moving on through towards the shopping centre, next stop the rainbow street or better known as Hertford Street.  Here the Coventry City of Culture offices are situated.  I asked the volunteers if they did not mind having their photograph taken to which they were a bit taken aback.  I love their jackets!  The street is colourful and a haven for Streetphotography as you will see from my photographs. I had my polariser filter on the wide angled Canon 5D which brought out the colours as people wandered past.  We could have spent hours there but we moved on into the central shopping area. 

City of Culture 2021
City of Culture 2021
City of Culture 2021
Rainbow colours

We took a look at Pepper Lane that had been spruced up with colourful paint.  The street art mural by @mattchuuk dominates the far end.  The mural is a past, present and future dreamlike composition representing the spirit of Coventry.

City of Culture 2021
Pepper Lane with the mural by Matt Chu
City of Culture 2021
Matt Chu’s mural representing the past, present and future looks onto the Holy Trinity Church

Moving on to, through and past the Cathedral Square. We hit upon the tired and brutal architecture of the Britannia Hotel and moved swiftly onto the Whittle arches around Hale Street.  Their imposing shapes fits in well with the surrounding area.  Everything is blue including the buses and the spiral overpass into Lady Herbert’s Gardens and Volgograd place.  So good to take pictures and another place where you could spend a great deal of time people watching and taking pictures. 

City of Culture 2021
Reminder of Brutal Coventry
City of Culture 2021
Blue bridge and cyclist
City of Culture 2021
Old and new of Coventry
City of Culture 2021
On the bridge

Moving on our next destination was the Coventry Canal basin.  I warned my photo buddy not to expect much as at my last visit, there was not much to see.  I was glad to be proved wrong as there was activity around the basin and a few long boats were moored up.  By chance I noticed people sitting outside a café near the canal bridge.  Playwright’s café turned out to be a hidden gem.  Scones were lovely and the coffee just right.  Great service from the owner as well.  So my opinion of the area is changed now! 

City of Culture 2021
on the way to the Canal Basin
City of Culture 2021
Coventry Canal Basin

Time to make our way back through the City to the train station.  So lots to like about Coventry in its new clothes as City of Culture.  There is still the awful Brutalist buildings, the bad architecture but there is also a sense of optimism around the place.  The Specials sang in 1981  “This town is coming like a ghost town”, to which I would have agreed a few years ago.  Now “the good old days before the ghost town” are slowly returning.  I really hope so!

City of Culture 2021
No Ghost Town on the left but maybe on the right

Here are some more pictures from our walk

City of Culture 2021
My good friend and photo companion, John Bray

View of the City May 2021

Queensway is a busy arterial road in and out of Birmingham so there is always a high volume of traffic thundering along the tarmac.  With my telephoto lens and 24 to 70 mm lens, I went about taking different pictures of an area that is already very familiar to me.  New building projects are always happening in the city centre and the area between the Cathedral and the Canal was an old factory site.  It has been repurposed into city dwelling flats that are being built close to the canal.   

The area is also a magnet for different kinds of people and as I was taking pictures, I was hassled for money, so I quickly moved on.  It is something I am wary of when I am in the quieter parts of town.  I know that I do have to be careful of my own safety.  Still the lure of  taking a few photographs around the buildings on either side of Queensway won through.  I took pictures of St Chad’s Cathedral and also with my telephoto lens up past the Snow Hill buildings.  After that I made my way into town for a lunch time meeting. 

Parking on the top floor of Selfridges Car Park opposite the store provided skyline pictures of both the City and Digbeth, and the skyline bridge linking the two is always fun for a picture or two.    I love the new covering on the Selfridges which is being put in place whilst they replace the discs on the outside.  The covering is designed by Osman Yousefzada,who is a multi-disciplinary artist working in association with the IKON gallery. the pink and black geometric shapes are in contrast with the grey architecture.

It was a day of sunshine and showers and whilst I was outside there was a terrific downpour. 

This then led to the bonus of several puddles for a bit of reflective photography.  The puddles around Selfridges are still there and lend themselves to some nice reflections of the building as it is being renovated

On my way to New Street, there were other interesting images to capture including the queue outside Zara and the photographing of the Electric Cinema.  I lingered around the reflective roof of the entrance to New Street Station. I also took a few pictures of the trams passing through which is something you have to do when in Birmingham. 

So enjoy the pictures and it is good to see Birmingham as it emerges from the pandemic.  The only down side is the weather which is atrocious rain and so unlike May.


Tree reflections

Everyone loves a picture that shows a reflection. The unique view is fascinating, and it gives a different view of the world by suggesting further new worlds. Unusual angles or taking the picture from a low viewpoint. There is symmetry around a reflection that everyone loves to see. This may be caused by mirrors, a shop window or a puddle formed by the recent rain fall. The iPhone is great for taking pictures of reflections and you can get quite low or even dip the phone into the puddle to get that perfect shot. Care is needed with the exposure as the reflected light from the puddle is less intense than the direct light from the unobstructed area above the puddle. Even on some of my best loved pictures there is overexposure of the upper part of the picture. If I had my large camera with me then I may be able to put a filter on it to stop down the light but then I may not be able to get as low as you can with the iPhone. Adjusting the exposure is easy when you are standing up but not so straight forward when you are crouching down. Probably the best idea is to lie down so you can control the exposure at your leisure. You certainly get some funny looks if you do get down low.

Selfridges reflection
Selfridges with reflection of covering whilst the discs are being replaced. It is designed by Osman Yousefzada

So I have put together some reflection shots for you. My tips are to get down low and either bend the knees if you can or even lie down to get a different view. Always try and think differently as that is what will make the photograph attractive to the viewer. They will have some familiarity with the scene but will also be intrigued with the reflection and part of the fun is to work out what they are being given to look at. Once you start getting into reflections then you will see them everywhere and your photography will take on a new life.

Red canal boats
Red boats on the Canal near Knowle (featured in Birmingham Live Instagram post)
Black and White view
Black and White view from Knowle Church to Elderberry Black Cafe
Trip to the Curry House
Trip to the Curry House (featured in Amateur Photographer)
This reflection of Selfridges was liked by the designer of the scaffolding multidisciplinary artist Osman Yousefzada and was featured by @IgersbirminghamUK on Instagram

Finally Englands Big Picture featured the headline reflection of the small park in Knowle, Solihull

Tree reflections
Tree reflections (featured in BBC’s Big England)

Damien Walmsley

Welcome to my new look web site.  This web site was set up back in 2016 and my first posts featured the different topics of Birmingham Gems, Pictures of Bridges and entries into the Post and Mail.  Fast forward to 2021 and the site has recorded many photographic events over my five years of blogging not least the pandemic.  I use my camera to record events and make stories that I like to share.  When the site started, it followed the normal pattern of being a showcase of photographs.  There were sections on travel, Birmingham and local views around where I live.  But the one area that I kept returning to time after time was the my blog.  It is just like writing a diary.  It also enables me to display more of my photographs that don’t normally make it onto Instagram, Twitter or Flickr.  

Changing the site and taking account of all the new technology that has been introduced is key to ensuring the site is not stale.  Throughout this journey, I have been helped enormously by James Kelly who is responsible for the overall web design.  James has been key in the development of the shop @dammodammoshop and the overall branding of the web pages.  James has ensured that the site is Google friendly and we are now accepting adverts onto the site.  This is turn will get the site pushed up the Google rankings.  I hope that it does not distract from your viewing pleasure of the blog.   If you wish to know more about James and his work, then visit his site burstoffruit | We make fun stuff 

The photographs make the stories and allow me to move forward.  I do appreciate all the positive comments about my pictures in the various media where they get published and I am pleased that they bring pleasure.  I have also started to give photographic talks at different levels.  One is the fun social element to local interest groups.  Here I cover popular subject areas that I enjoy photographing and these include Canals, National Trust Properties and other stately homes. Other subjects include cities, travel, wildlife and woodland trusts.

Enjoy exploring the new site and thank you for all your support by stopping by to take a look.  BTW if you like the headshot it was taken by Ewen Rankin, professional photographer.

Public art has the power to bring out discussions on our feelings and emotions when we encounter it.  The artist Luke Jerram Luke Jerram understands this power and his aim was to create a piece of art that would help people come to terms with the events of last year.  All of us have been affected by the pandemic, some more deeply than others.  There is a collective need to grieve and reflect from what happened during the crisis.  The lockdowns changed how we interact with one another and the loss of a loved one was a difficult event.  I personally attended several virtual funerals during the lockdowns.  They were different and I am not sure that I was able to convey fully my condolences to the families involved.  This art installation made me look beyond the physical and come to terms with the amount of devastation the Covid19 crisis has brought.  Society has changed and we are discussing life and death in different terms.  Talking openly and honestly about death is central to BrumYODO who were one of several groups who enabled the exhibition by Luke Jerram to come to Birmingham. 

The blue and white NHS bedsheets complement the colours of the sky.

Luke has put together an open air piece of art that comprises 120 NHS bed sheets put together in an exhibit that makes a large medical logo.  The sheets are either blue or white arranged as flags that flutter in the wind.  I was fortunate to be invited to a private viewing of Luke’s artwork on a bright day with the sort of white puffy clouds that are appealing and call out to be photographed.  “In Memoriam” is situated in Aston Park next to Aston Hall.  It is a striking view when you see the white and blue flags for first time against the green of the grass and trees.  I met the organisers of the installation and also met Luke.  Instantly likeable, Luke explained the background to his art and how it came about.  His enthusiasm was tangible as he not only detailed the logistics of placing 120 blue and white flags in the form of a medical logo but also how he hoped that the artwork would make people talk openly about the pandemic.  People can reflect and grieve about the loss of loved ones or come to terms with how the year of lockdowns impacted on everyone.

The Artist Luke Jerram discussing In Memoriam

Photographing the flags was both easy and difficult. Easy, as the overall view was relatively strightforward to capture.  The sun was strong when it was not hidden by the clouds and it cast shadows on the grass which could be photographed.  It was difficult as the flags were tall and it was not possible to touch them.  I searched for a different view of an installation that has and will be photographed many times.  Getting low and framing the view of the flags as they flapped in the wind were the best that I could offer.  It really needed a drone shot but I learnt afterwards that the park does not allow this to happen as it has geofencing around it and it is on many air flight paths.  The flags do have a certain symmetry about them and the surrounding trees and fences made framing of them possible.  Unfortunately one of the white TV vans acted as a photobomb to some views! 

The first view of the flags in the park

Im Memorial was covered by BBC news and is a temporary exhibition for approximately 2 weeks.  The exhibition was made possible by the combined efforts of BrumYodo, Birmingham Hippodrome In Memoriam – Birmingham Hippodrome  and the Birmingham Museums What’s On | Aston Hall | Birmingham Museums .  It forms part of the Matter of life and death festival A Matter of Life & Death Festival 2018 – BrumYODO