Seen in Trafalgar Square

November 24, 2023 fishyfisharcadeLeave a comment

These two pictures don’t really impart just how hot it was in Trafalgar Square when these were taken.

The mid-30s Celsius is probably nothing to make a fuss about in some parts of the world, but here in the UK that’s hot!

Paddling isn’t allowed in the fountains, but dipping your feet in is apparently fine, and so many people were taking advantage of the cool water in this way.

The second shot shows the Fourth Plinth, which I wrote about in a previous post.

Olympus OM-1N, G-Zuiko Auto-W 35mm f/2.8 & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 @ 20° 9mins.

Taken 9 September 2023.

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Atop the fourth plinth

December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 fishyfisharcade1 Comment

The north-western plinth in Trafalgar Square, London was originaly intended to be topped by a statue of William IV on horseback but, due to insufficient funds, the piece was not completed. The plinth then remained empty while its use was debated for the next 150 years until, in 1998, three temporary sculptures were commissioned by Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Shortly after this, consultations were carried out to decide the future use of the plinth. It was decided that a rolling programme of artworks would continue to make use of the plinth, and this has been the case since.

To date there have been fourteen artworks displayed atop the plinth since 1998. The latest is called Antelope by Samson Kambalu. It depicts Baptist preacher and pan-Africanist John Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley. Chilembwe wears a hat in an act of defiance, as this was illegal at the time. The statue of Chilembwe is larger than that of Chorley to elevate his act of defiance.

Olympus OM-1N, G-Zuiko Auto-W 35mm f/2.8 & Ilford HP5+ (@1600asa). Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 12mins @ 20°

Taken on 29 November 2022.

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2022December 24, 2022 fishyfisharcadeLeave a comment

I generally try to find a Christmassy photo to publish on the big day. The only recent picture I have that fits the bill is this one of the Christmas Tree being erected in Trafalgar Square in London. It didn’t have any lights or decorations affixed when I took the shot.

Each year a tree is gifted to the people of Britain by Norway in thanks for British support during the Second World War. The tree would feature in the British childrens television programme Blue Peter quite frequently at Christmas, when the presenters would assist in it’s felling and transportation from Norway, and it’s erection in Trafalgar Square. Blue Peter is still being shown – it first aired in 1958 – and is the longest running TV show in the world. In 2008 presenter Andy Akinwolere presented the feature on the Christmas Tree and accidentally dropped the star when attempting to fit it to the top of the tree.

Olympus OM-1N, G-Zuiko Auto-W 35mm f/2.8 & Ilford HP5+ (@1600asa). Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 12mins @ 20°

Taken on 29 November 2022.