Well, I have to come up with a subject dear to my heart-
Beauty in Decay
This is one of my very first images of decay…..as old industrial ruins, a ruined Welsh slate mine. I had planned a youth hostelling trip in the late ‘70s, and looking at the map, we saw this place and just had to explore…
Rust and decay, Manod detritus
Now, of course, I wish I had taken more photographs!
I took more images in North Wales, but another favourite ruin type was, and still is monasteries and churches. These can be seriously beautiful- here are the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire, under a threatening sky:
Rain clouds over Rievaulx
This is Wenlock Priory in Shropshire, with its watchful windows:
One of my earliest holidays after I left home was in Greece, and I found out about the old abandoned leper colony of Spinalonga on Crete…and this was one of my favourite images from that sad place:
Dark archway
I’m always drawn to strong shapes, as here at the remains of the miner’s barracks at Cwmorthin, standing stark against the rock behind:
More recently, I discovered the beauty of flowers as they decay- this, if I recall correctly was the first one:
Decaying tulips…
And I leave you with some rather waif-like daffodils
Ghostly daffodils
Linked to lens-artist’s Photo Challenge here
Oh, I’m very fond of a bit of decay too. I think you’d have loved this exhibit I saw at the Bowes Musum not too long ago: https://margaret21.com/2017/08/05/snapshot-saturday-the-texture-of-tulips/
How most fascinating!
Absolutely loved your choice this week Sue. May have to add it to our list of future challenge subjects. These images are wonderful. All of the buildings are great but the dying flowers are really creative and quite emotional
Excellent, please do use that subject, and pleased you like my images, Tina!
Beautiful …. Sue!!!
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
Confucius
You see it. *smile
Thank you, Vivi, I think I do!
A fine collection of the decayed and old Sue 🙂
Many thanks, Brian!
excellent photos!
i always thought dead flowers looked fancy
🌷
Glad you like these!
I do think of you sometimes when I see a decayed structure – 😉
And true two ending flowers were a pleasant surprise for this theme today
😊
Teehee! The Mistress of Decay, someone called me!!
Haha – that is a fun handle!
But i also think of you with bikes (as you know) – the “one” theme – and now teacups
A very eclectic mix!!
There are some history background and stories behind the decay, which made them fascinating. I like all these images, Sue. The last one is very well done, very creative. 🙂
Oh, plenty of history, stories…. 😊😊
Lovely choices, Sue. I like the flowers best, though.
janet
Fair enough, Janet! 😊
A lovely piece of autobiography. I really enjoyed the diversity of decay and the sense of your long-standing love affair with it. The daffodils are deliciously diaphanous: the leper colony atmospheric; the first one beautifully composed. You absolutely justify your odd passion. Which of course I share!
I knew you would love these, Meg!!
Good to know that your fascination with decay started a long time ago, Sue. You have developed it into a real speciality.
Best wishes, Pete.
It all started in North Wales, when I was probably 5 years old, and I’m my father took us for a walk where we happened on some abandoned miner’s cottages…..I was hooked from that day…….
Some great shots, Sue. The welsh mine is “classic Sue” and I love cloudy Rievaulx and the fading daffodils,.
Which Welsh mine?? Manod and Cwmorthin are both classic me, both from decades ago…it’s wonderful how I can digitise my old film shots! Glad you like these, Debbie
The wispy translucent daffodils are magic!
Thanks!
Thoughtful and innovative. Nicely done.
Many thanks, John!
Rich heritage….. 🙂
Yes, I think so, David