The WIP #17: Doon the watter
The Week in Photos (20-26 April 2024)
A few weeks ago, my pal Angela mentioned there was an art event happening in Dunoon. The town is “doon the watter” from Glasgow and one of the original Victorian seaside resorts in the Firth of Clyde. I’d never been before and was curious to visit, especially after seeing
’s recent photos of The Waverley.After doing Greenock Parkrun and poking my head into The Wyllieum, I cycled along the coast to Gourock, making it just in time for the ferry.
It’s a short crossing, about twenty minutes, and the weather was beautiful.
As you arrive, you can see a mixture of former glory and modern decay.
Stepping off the boat I saw two white horses leading a carriage. I wondered if this is how people in Dunoon get around but apparently it was a wedding party.
The ambitiously named Dunoon Museum of Contemporary Art had an exhibition of asemic poetry on canvases by Stephen Nelson, as well as his Dada-inspired books.
I got talking to the owners, Alastair Noble and Kathy Bruce, who told me about their own creative practices. However, the main conversation consisted of complaining about Dunoon: the weather, the arts funding, and the lack of shops. It seemed pretty paradisiacal to me, but I chose a good day.
On Tuesday, I saw Civil War, Alex Garland’s film about photojournalists documenting an American insurrection. It said nothing about Trump, which it seemed to promise, but was a fascinating portrayal of war photography. And apparently fairly accurate.
It inspired me to imagine Glasgow as a warzone as I walked to the university for the launch of Tom Jeffreys’ new book, Walking.
Until next week!
Much enjoyed reading this Neil and your mention of The Waverley brought back memories. When young, many decades ago, I used to visit relatives in Glasgow with my parents. It was something of a family tradition that youngsters had their photo taken on Waverley holding the rail and looking out on the water. Time has come full circle as while those relatives are no longer with us my youngest son and family now live near Glasgow. I was there only last weekend.
Thanks for the mention!