The scene in the photograph today is the rear of a building known as The Boathouse. Although it’s not apparent in the picture, it’s on the other side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal from where I stood to make it, the water just out of frame at the bottom.

Also not visible in the picture is a sign saying madebymartyn.co.uk. Visiting this website reveals more about the place, and more importantly, the good work that is done. It serves, I suppose, a couple of main purposes.

The first, is the production of items for sale, mostly from recycled materials. I think up-cycling is another terms that perhaps fits, as products, including jewellery, furniture, signs, lighting, and Bluetooth speakers, are produced from all manner of donated items.

The second, and I would suggest primary, purpose is to provide support to people living with terminal illness and the associated conditions, such as mental health difficulties. The sale of the items manufactured serve to fund this activity in a self-sustaining manner.

I’ve walked past this location on a number of times, albeit with the barrier of the canal between, and photographed it on more than one occasion, but it was only when I chose today’s picture that I thought I’d do some research into what was behind all the objects on the far bank and discovered the good work being done.

If you click the link included above, you can find out more and see the items available to buy.

As a photographer, it pays to be observant and to see a picture where others may overlook it. I think it’s also important to understand what the subject may represent beyond it simply being an interesting photo, and it’s something I need to do more.

Nikon F80, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF-D & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 4 May 2024