Introduction to Tim's Talks
Over many years I have used my photographs to illustrate a series of talks that started over thirty years ago. These were originally set up using 35mm slides and a slide projector but in recent years I have been updating these presentations to a digital format using the original transparencies and adding new photographs. These talks can be varied in length from forty-five to a hundred minutes depending on the requirements of the group or organisation. Listed below are the talks that have been developed and under development. For more information about these talks, please please email: canalartandphotography@outlock.com
Painted Boats
Painted Boats was the title of a 1945 Ealing Studios film about life on our canals. The painted boats referred to were the brightly decorated canal boats in the film. This is an illustrated talk about the decoration found on the canal boats and sometimes known as ‘Roses & Castles’ or ‘Barge Art’. Some say the brightly coloured and stylised decoration is England’s only true Folk Art. It's an art-form that continues to develop and I will explain it's possible origins, how the patterns are but up but also keep their roots in the past.
Thomas Telford
Thomas Telford was an Engineer who came from a humble background in Scotland and built canals, roads, harbours, churches, bridges, etc. He was consulted on many other projects, including early railways but was often referred to as the 'Bridge Builder'. His work found him constantly travelling the country so he didn't own his own home until latter years. He was the first President of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Mind the Gap
Although Britain doesn't have the worlds deepest valleys or widest rivers, we’ve been innovators with design, use of new materials and construction methods creating many bridges across time. I look at examples of different types of bridges found across Britain, including a number of world firsts.
Around London's Waterways
Everyone knows what the River Thames has to offer but what of London’s other waterways? The Regent’s Canal, originally built in a semi-circle on London’s northern boundary, is only now becoming better known with many new developments, from Limehouse basin in the East to Paddington basin in the West. Docklands has a whole new face since the 1980’s and now, so does the waterways through the Olympic Park in Stratford. This talk is a pictorial journey around parts of these waterways.
Not the Norfolk Broads
The County of Norfolk is very well known for the Norfolk Broads which many people have enjoyed through boating but there is so much more to be found. It's not a county you pass through to go anywhere else as there are no major ports or airports, it's stuck in a corner and can seem a little old fashioned at times. This talk explores Norfolk's coast, historic buildings, heritage railways, gardens and many more things to see and do.
Little Trains in the Landscape
Britain led the world as the first country where groups of volunteers got together to restore canals and other waterways. This was followed shortly after by railways .In 1950, a group of enthusiasts, led by the engineer and author Tom Rolt, called a public meeting in Birmingham and the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society was formed. This talk takes you on a tour of some of those Little Railways found in England and Wales with a little history and a view of the countryside.
