After the first 100 colour copies of my book on the Tees Transporter Bridge sold unbelievably quickly (thank you for making me and my favourite bridge feel loved) I ordered a second print run of the book in black and white. The second edition has one or two new stories from local people that came in after the print deadline for the original run. The second edition is now available to order and will be shipped at the end of October.
For those stumbling across this title for the first time, it is a collection of stories, musings and memories from both myself and people who live in and around Teesside. This is more than just a straightforward history book; it is a volume that examines the cultural significance of the bridge and its impact on the local community.It features over 50 original photographs of the bridge and the Middlesbrough area and, perhaps most importantly, it conveys the bridge’s unique narrative which spans from modernism to the modern-day.
Click here to order your copy of the book today!
The book is 92 pages, printed in full colour and priced at 9.95. Only 100 copies of the second edition will be printed.
THIS BOOK WILL BE SHIPPED WEDNESDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2014
THIS BOOK IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK. A KINDLE VERSION IS AVAILABLE FOR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS.
My new book about the Tees Transporter Bridge is due for release on Monday 23rd June 2014. It is a collection of stories, musings and memories from both myself and people who live in and around Teesside. This is more than just a straightforward history book; it is a volume that examines the cultural significance of the bridge and its impact on the local community. Furthermore, it conveys the bridge’s unique narrative which spans from modernism to the modern-day.
The book is 96 pages, printed in full colour and priced at £9.95. Only 100 copies of the first edition will be printed.
Click here to pre-order your copy.
THIS BOOK IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK
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When I was in Middlesbrough the other day I stumbled across a range of ghost signs, some of which I’ll be sharing through my mailing list in the coming weeks. One of the most impressive examples, however, was definitely this one for Esso. Situated against a backdrop of red brick houses it is a striking dash of design in an otherwise residential environment.
Today I went on a psychogeographical wander around Middlesbrough for a chapter in a book I’m working on. I’m not ready to release details yet but towards the end of the year all will be revealed. In this post are several photographs I took on my travels, the relevance of swan-shaped pedalos will not be lost on Iain Sinclair fans – if you haven’t already watched Swandown, I recommend it.
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Although my next book is about London ghost signs I seem to be developing some kind of spider sense when I go anywhere else, as I stumbled across a range of ghost signs today in Middlesbrough. This one was by far my favourite and definitely deserves a post of its own. It’s in remarkably good condition.
The majority of people I know view the smoky haze of Middlesbrough with deep disdain. Probably because these days the majority of people I meet are Southerners. They diss Middlesbrough based on whatever snippets they’ve gleaned from the national news over the years but most of them have never been there. Consequently I’m kind of confused about why they feel they are entitled to an opinion on the subject. This down-at-heel, ready-to-peel working class town has a very special place in my heart. It’s not just because my parents come from there or the fact that I enjoyed three drunkenly productive years there at the University of Teesside. There are just so many things about being in the Boro that are homely, quirkly and truly individual (my three favourite qualities in pretty much anything life has to offer). Need proof? Here are my top 5 reasons to ‘Up the Boro!’
Reason Number 1: Dialect. When I go back up north there are few things I love better than sitting in a cafe, listening to the words I never hear said in London. Older family members refer to their younger counterparts as ‘kidda,’ they order their bacon sandwich with red sauce, never ketchup, and when it’s time to leave they say “howay then.’ It may be a little bit over the heads of anybody South of York but to me it’s a comforting reminder that I’m home.
Reason Number 2: Inspirational Industry. I have to admit that there is something about old factories and tall-standing chimneys that is sadly poetic to me. Maybe it’s a result of being raised in the ‘gritty North East’ but even if this is a bit weird I can take heart in the fact that I’m not alone. Ridley Scott, a fellow North Easterner, looked upon the smoke-stacked skyline of Teesside on his route back from Redcar one night and imagined it as a strange, futuristic world that later became the backdrop for his film ‘Blade Runner.’ Claims to fame don’t come much cooler than that.
Reason Number 3: Abstract Cuisine. Southerners like their pesto and their parmesan shavings but we Northerners find this all a bit orthodox. We’d much rather rock up to a take-away and order ourselves a Chicken Parmesan or a ‘Parmo’ as it is locally known: a rather inspired combination of breadcrumbed chicken topped with a thickened Bechamel sauce with a side order of chips. And whilst we’re on the subject of chips you have no idea what a relief it is to be able to order chips and gravy up there without inducing a vacant glare from the counter staff. Chips and gravy seems to have bypassed Southerners who, startlingly, seem to prefer curry sauce (ew!). It’s fair to say we do not have the most linear of culinary tastes (scream if you love crisp sandwiches) but conventional cuisine just isn’t as much fun.
Reason Number 4: The Transporter Bridge. Bridges fascinate me as architectural structures but I know of few others in the world that are as 
pleasing to my eyes as The Tees Transporter. This little geometric beauty was officially opened in 1911 and has ever since been emblematic of Teesside identity. The old girl’s had a few knocks over the years, including the numerous bombings of World War Two, but like the hardiest of Middlesbrough folk she’s taken it all on her steely chin and still stands proud in her blue shroud for drunken student and down-and-out-dole-boy alike to marvel at. Isn’t she a doll?
Reason Number 5: Arts and Culture. Yes I know. Not particularly the first two words that spring to mind when you say the name ‘Middlesbrough’ but times they are a changing with the introduction of MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art). In addition to housing collections by some of the most revered modern artists MIMA arrange regular film screenings, offer life drawing classes and host an adorable Valentine’s event called ‘Love Match’ which I’m more than a little bit gutted I won’t make it to. In short: The Tate Modern and the BFI better watch out. Looks like they’ve got competition.
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