We’re walking along with towpath, at the end of the Bridgewater canal. Ahead of us, is an archway of Bridge 101 which runs under Castle Street. Just beyond in the darkness are a lock gates. This is the start of the Rochdale canal.
Doesn’t look much, does it? But these were the height of engineering, in their day. Before the age of steam engines, water powered industry. Sites like this can be seen across major cities in the UK, a stone’s throw, or even a drop, from the road. These are green oases, a record of past life still preserved today, thanks to the new industry of tourism.
Man vs Nature - A Painting of Contrasts.
The contrast is dramatic between the green organic lower scene, at the canal level, and the regulated upper world of tower blocks and buildings of the modern age. Even the colours contrast, warm colours above cool colours below. The natural world of the canal system dominates. The scene may be entirely man made, but nature has taken back control. The brambles, plants and grasses growing in every possible space.
Attempts may be made to control water itself, but these will only be successful for a while. The relentless movement of water can only last for so long before it breaks free. Even though it may be contained, water will escape given time.
Seeing this scene with a romantic eye is easy, but canals represent industry. Hard work and punishings hours although there was a slower rhythm than came later. With industry growing in scale, they were harsh times. Before the railways took their cargo away, these canals were busy, especially here. Boats coming into the city centre were everywhere, bringing their cargoes of raw materials and finished products to and from the metropolis.
Canals allowed loads, carried by a single horse to be multiplied. Those who worked the boats lived on board in cramped conditions, usually with their families in tow.
A plea to Art Teachers: Leave My Canvas Alone
The Rochdale Canal has a particular draw to me. I grew up near the canal where it passed through Middleton Junction. The water flowed with barely a trickle, except after heavy rain. The Locks were replaced with a cement wall. I spent the spring of 1984 beside the canal sketching that closed lock and the mill beyond. It was one of my few oil paintings and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
But, I lost interest in it after my art teacher “corrected” my work directly on the canvas. He never asked permission and from that moment, the painting was no longer mine.
I’ve always vowed to redo it, maybe now is the time? What do you think? It won’t be easy as the lock is now functioning and the mill is long gone. Those sketches would have helped but they were lost when Mum moved house. I’m sure I’ll figure out something, watch this space!
In the meantime, there’s this one to be going on with.
