A photography portfolio of the City and County of Swansea by the author/photographer Chris Elphick
Swansea Sea Glass
I regularly search Swansea Bay for sea glass. Though it is not the best beach for such finds, it is my nearest bay and there are a few good examples to be discovered there from time to time. This morning, after the worst effects of Storm Katie had passed, I was lucky enough to find these two lovely examples of sea glass amongst the shells scattered along the tide line:
A Gloomy Evening's Walk Through Townhill
I headed out for a walk through Townhill this evening, despite the gloomy rain that has been falling on Swansea for most of the day. Was really impressed how my iphone 4S coped with the conditions too:
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| Townhill Road |
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| Townhill Water Tower |
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| Townhill Skateboard Ramps |
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| The Phoenix Centre Walkway |
A Few Closed Pubs
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| Bird In Hand Inn, Clase Road, Morriston |
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| There is not much left of the Pines Country Club, Llangyfelach Road... |
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| Pub Sign - all that is left of the Pines CountryClub Sign, Llangyfelach Road |
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| The Dillwyn Arms, Llangyfelach Road |
Sketty Hall Shelter
A little within the grounds of Sketty Hall lies this very unusual dome-roofed Ingress portal.
This building is the modified remains of the old late 19th Century Swansea folly known as the 'Temple of the Winds'. Originally, the dome rested upon four slender marble columns and surrounded a central ceramic feature. The building fell into quick disrepair and the west side of the temple was filled in during the late 1930's. During this time a wooden seat was added to the structure. The two remaining pillars were filled in during the early 1990's, leaving only the east site of the temple open. At this time, the seat was also removed. Part of the original ceramic feature is now mounted on the back wall of the building.
This building is the modified remains of the old late 19th Century Swansea folly known as the 'Temple of the Winds'. Originally, the dome rested upon four slender marble columns and surrounded a central ceramic feature. The building fell into quick disrepair and the west side of the temple was filled in during the late 1930's. During this time a wooden seat was added to the structure. The two remaining pillars were filled in during the early 1990's, leaving only the east site of the temple open. At this time, the seat was also removed. Part of the original ceramic feature is now mounted on the back wall of the building.
Another Lost Glove, Mayhill
I do not know what is going on but I must walk past at least two lost gloves on the streets of Swansea every day. Here is the latest one, which I found here on a roundabout in Mayhill:
Black Pill, Swansea Bay
Taking advantage of an unexpected further lovely evening, I took another stroll down Swansea Bay tonight, this time heading further west to Black Pill. The tide was nice and full when I arrived around the 6pm mark, making the beach walk even more atmospheric and enjoyable:
Reaching Clyne, I was rather taken by this public art work, known as the 'Musical Osprey':
The piece is part of a set of two ospreys, one nesting and this one ready to take to the air. Made to commemorate the reopening of the Blackpill Lido in August 2000, the sculpture is located in the children's play area and can be played musically like a giant xylophone.
I ended the evening's walk by visiting The Woodman, enjoying a nice hot coffee there before heading back out into the chill of the night and the return walk along the beach:
Reaching Clyne, I was rather taken by this public art work, known as the 'Musical Osprey':
The piece is part of a set of two ospreys, one nesting and this one ready to take to the air. Made to commemorate the reopening of the Blackpill Lido in August 2000, the sculpture is located in the children's play area and can be played musically like a giant xylophone.
I ended the evening's walk by visiting The Woodman, enjoying a nice hot coffee there before heading back out into the chill of the night and the return walk along the beach:
Swansea Bay at Dusk
I took another walk along Swansea Bay this evening and caught the place lit beneath some beautifully moody clouds. I am so happy that I live in Swansea.
Helwick
The Helwick, official name Light Vessel No. 91, was built in 1937 and was originally stationed in Humber. In 1971, the Helwick was repositioned by tug to the near coastline of Rhossili, Being a lightship, its on-board engine was used solely to power its eight 110 volt, 650,000 candle power lamps. Here it ended its official service in 1977.
After its retirment, the Helwick was purchased by Swansea Museum and it now resides in Swansea Marina. Sometimes, though not often enough, the vessel is open to exploration. I will try and catch the next open day and post some pictures of its interiors here...
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