5 Gawcott Pump

The water pump dominates the image, a large black mass of industrial machinery. A few flags define a crude path that leads to the pump. The path by the pump is hinted at but otherwise there’s green grass and a few leaves. In the background is a car make and model unknown.

The pump handle’s missing but it’s recognisable as a traditional village water pump, the spout curving down. Reflections define the shapes and recesses which are highlighted with pink and bright blue. The sun is shining and the reflection patterns are rough and textured. Layers of paint built up over time are chipped or worn away with use.

Once a key amenity, essential to everyday life, as villagers came to collect water. The Gawcott Pumps stands as a reminder of a past way of Life. Relegated to history books and perhaps the memories of the older residents. A time when life was simpler perhaps, although it was probably much harder than today. Even the act of drawing water required physical effort. No turning a tap on and turning it off as a glass or jug was filled. Each pint of water was drawn in an active fashion.

Personally, I welcome their transition into the history books, with the scattered reminders on village greens around the country.