Dublin

Best and worst modern architecture in Dublin – YouTube video in planning

2018-09-12 By @AidanEyewitness

Liberty Hall and ornate street lamp, Dublin

In this photography slide show video I ask some important questions about modern architecture, with examples taken from Dublin, where I was a student and still visit regularly today.

I don’t use photography primarily to make attractive pictures, I take photos to document, draw attention to things and to stimulate debate. I love to give photo presentations and they generally turn into a discussion about the buildings and locations in the photos.

Raising issues is what I like to do, and so in my Dublin Modern Architecture slide show video, I’ve decided that I will ask a question for each of the 30 plus buildings which I’ve arranged roughly in my order of preference, from worst to best.

ESB Headquarters, Fitzwilliam St, Dublin

I start the video with the ESB buildings on Fitzwilliam Street, designed by Sam Stephenson. A whole row of magnificent Georgian terraced houses were razed to the ground to make way for this building, completed in 1976, the year I started to study at Trinity College Dublin. I’m glad I took this photo as it has now been demolished. Its 2018 replacement is an interpretation of the original buildings and my question is: Wouldn’t it have been better to rebuild exactly the façades as they were, with the new building behind?

There are many interesting modern buildings on my list and I’ll give a preview of a few of them here.

US Embassy Ballsbridge Dublin

The American Embassy in Ballsbridge is one of the buildings that caught my eye as a child. I first saw it on a postcard and was very impressed. At that time Dublin seemed to me a very old, grey and run down city. The sight of the American Embassy reassured me that the city was not completely stuck in the past. It was designed by the American architect John M. Johansen (1916-2012), in consultation with Irish architect Michael Scott (1905-1989). I haven’t formulated the question for this building yet!

The Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin

My next choice is another circular building. Since I first saw the Crimininal Courts of Justice on RTE news reports, I’ve been very interested in this building, which was designed by Peter McGovern, Director of Henry J Lyons & Partners, architects. I love the circular plan and the mixed use of glass, especially to cover the facade, which due to the unique use of the building, has no windows. The glass panels are apparently just for decoration. I hope that I won’t be spending any time in this building, except perhaps on an architectural visit. My question is:
Is the use of exterior glass panels justified if they serve no useful purpose?

The Glass Steeple, Pearse Lyons Brewery, Dublin

One of the most intriguing examples of modern architecture in Dublin is the glass steeple that was added onto the former St James Church, now the Pearse Lyons distillery. It’s not exactly a building, it’s a modern addition to an old building but it is very eye-catching. I ask the question:

Is it okay to add a modern structure onto an old building?

I will answer this one by saying that in the case of the Pearse Lyons glass steeple, it definitely is. It looks visually captivating at night and can be clearly seen from the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse.

Liberty Hall and river LIffey, Dublin

Since childhood I’ve regarded Liberty Hall on Dublin’s river Liffey as an icon of Dublin and modern Ireland, a symbol of the modernisation of the country which started around the 1960s. It’s superbly proportioned and though tiny in comparison to the skyscrapers of the US, it has a graceful, imposing presence in Dublin. Unfortunately it was damaged in a bomb incident and was not restored to its original form. The replacement windows were opaque and there were problems with the materials used on the exterior.

The condition of the building slowly deteriorated. Its owners Siptu intended to demolish it and replace it with a much bigger and taller building but the planning application was rejected. This was the right decision as the new building would have completely changed the character of this part of Dublin and the view along the Quays. It would have had an alienating effect on the city. In 2018 Liberty Hall has undergone some minor renovation work but in my opinion it should be fully restored to how it was when it first opened. My question is:
Were owners SIPTU right to propose the demolition of Liberty Hall?

As for my favourite modern building in Dublin, I will reveal that at the end of the video, but here’s a clue: It was one of the first modern buildings to be constructed in Dublin, it cost a very large amount of money and it’s been in daily use since it opened.

I hope to release this video on YouTube in late September 2018. When it’s online I will amend this article and add more photographs.

I’m fascinated by the history and development of Dublin, especially along the river Liffey. Watch my video of the bridges of the River Liffey below. There is also a Die Brücken des Flusses Liffey in Dublin.

The power of libraries and why they’re under threat – YouTube video in pre-production

2018-09-11 By @AidanEyewitness

This video project is currently in pre-production. I am gathering the information and the photographs and hope to launch the video during October 2018

In this video I will focus on libraries and their many benefits but at the same time we’ll see why libraries are under threat.

So here are some bullet points on the good aspects of libraries.

Libraries are free and they’re dedicated to helping you
Most of the time in life we are being persuaded to spend time and money on things that don’t really benefit us. At a library you can spend time on improving yourself and it doesn’t cost anything.

You can connect with past times
Many libraries have a history going back decades even centuries that can be very inspiring if you’re studying or simply looking for interesting places to visit.

Some libraries are exclusive and prestigious – and that can be good too
Some libraries are respected institutions open only to members, like the Portico Library in Manchester. If you are in a position to become a member, you can enjoy many advantages. It’s a further example of the good that libraries do.

Libraries have high ideals and principles
As you will see if you go into the main reading room at Manchester Central library there is an inscription on the ceiling which I’m going to photograph for the video. It celebrates the benefits of learning.

You can get information at libraries that is not available online
Some people say we don’t lead libraries because you can get all the information you need on your computer, tablet or smartphone but that’s not true! Libraries contain a huge amount of information that is not available online. If you researching a subject in depth, the chances are that the information you need is contained in a library somewhere.

Libraries are very good for local information and family history
One of the areas where libraries excel is local history and family history. Most libraries have large collections of books and photographs that you won’t find anywhere else.

Libraries celebrate books and learning
The John Rylands library in Manchester is not just a building that contains books but a place that celebrates books and learning. There are many exhibitions on the subject of old books and manuscripts down the ages. It’s also possible for researchers to gain access to very rare and precious books. It looks like a cathedral but it is not a place of worship. People call a cathedral to books. The Chester Beatty library in Dublin is not really a library, rather a museum about books and has many fascinating exhibitions based on its collections of books from Europe and Asia.

Libraries contain hidden treasure houses what you can discover something totally unique.
Libraries contain so much information a lot of of it is obscure and forgotten but you may well discover something quite unusual and quite astonishing in a library. Some libraries are themselves hidden and obscure. Marsh’s Library in Dublin is not very well-known but it is a tiny treasure house of books and knowledge.

Libraries can be social.
Studying can be a very solitary experience. As a library it feels more social and even though you’re not speaking to the people around you, you are not alone. However sometimes people do make contact with each other at a library. Some couples have even met that way so isnt’ that another reason for visiting one!

Libraries are the backbone of universities.
If you study at a university you will spend a lot of time in the library. Every university has one. Some are even open 24 hours a day for students.

Libraries can inspire children.
When I was a child I went to our local library in Edgeley, Stockport and I can remember feeling the excitement of taking books off the shelf and discovering new things. I loved the smell of the books, taking and flicking through the pages. My favourites were on astronomy, the moon landings and I remember borrowing a black and yellow book named ‘Codes and ciphers’. My dad like to borrow westerns from our local library and probably read their entire collection of them.

A library provides a sanctuary from the modern world
In our noisy hectic modern day life, full of noise, it can be calming to go into a quiet space and just read. It’s almost like a place of worship. At the Gladstone Library reading room you will experience the true meaning of silence!

The Gladstone Library

Old bricks and mortar have power.
Many libraries have a long tradition, and simply going into these buildings will inspire you and will change your perspective on things. At Chetham’s library in Manchester you can sit in the exact spot where Friedrich Engels wrote books on the working classes which would go on to change the course of the 20th century.

Libraries are symbols of philanthropy.
Many libraries are the legacy of philanthropists, many of them wealthy individuals who decided to spend their money on libraries in order to help their community. John Rylands was one example and so was Andrew Carniegie. Thanks to his generosity hundreds of Carnegie libraries were built across the United States, Britain and Ireland and many of them are still in use today. I’ll be looking at some examples of Carnegie Libraries including rathmines library in Dublin, Didsbury Withington and and Chorlton Libraries in Manchester, and in Liverpool Toxteth and West Derby. There are hundreds more up and down the country.

Sir Duncan Rice Library, Aberdeen

Modern-day libraries are striking pieces of architecture.
Some of my favourite modern libraries are the library of Birmingham, the Sir Duncan Rice Library in Aberdeen and Liverpool Central Library which has a futuristic modern extension. In the video I’ll be looking especially at the Sir Duncan Rice library as well as three very interesting post-war libraries in Berlin.

Libraries offer lots of services and benefits not just books.
Today libraries have diversified what they offer: You can surf the Internet, get training, apply for a job gain new skills and qualifications, have things printed or take one to one tuition.

Libraries are under threat.
But despite all that they do and the benefits they offer, libraries are under threat in many parts of the UK. Due to the austerity policies of central government, local authorities are having to close libraries because of budget cuts. This is true in Greater Manchester, Liverpool and many other places around Britain.

Everton Library inscription

Everton Library, Liverpool

While millions are being spent on new office and residential developments, I think it’s a scandal that beautiful old buildings such as Everton Library are standing empty and neglected. A friends group are doing what they can to save the building, but funding and support are needed. Surely it should be possible for even small percentage of the millions spent on these developments to help restore libraries. The closure of libraries reduces peoples opportunities and works exactly against what Andrew Carnegie, William Gladstone and others were trying to achieve. I’m sure they would be horrified if they could see what has happened to some libraries in recent years.

Libraries are being brought back to life.
But there are some examples of regeneration and renewal. In West Derby, Liverpool, Heritage lottery funding has been secured for the renovation of a unique and magnificent library originally funded by Andrew Carnegie. It will reopen as centre providing services for the local community.

Please visit a library.
Many people take libraries are granted. Some people have never set foot inside one. I hope after watching this some people will make more use of libraries and and perhaps go and visit some of the libraries I’ve highlighted here. Do libraries have a future? Yes of course they do. And my closing words are: Long live libraries!

Currently in pre-production. Release date: 2019

My YouTube channel on cities and photography – Manchester Liverpool Dublin Berlin & more

2018-09-09 By @AidanEyewitness

In this article I want write about my YouTube channel which I’ve had since 2007 but only started to develop properly in 2018. The main theme of the channel is cities, focusing especially on my four home cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Dublin and Berlin. I have a video planned to accompany this article, which I will present with images and videoclips from all four cities.

I’ve made a list of bullet points setting out my aims with the channel.

- Explore the theme of cities in engaging educational slide show videos.
- Focus on my four home cities of Manchester Liverpool Dublin and Berlin
- Make use my archive photos as well as new photos and videoclips.
- Explore cross-cultural themes overcoming language and geographical barriers.
- Campaign for cultural exchange and internationalism, thinking beyond national boundaries.
- Raise the slide show video to a high level with stimulating multimedia content.
- Explore further places, mainly cities but also regions near cities and tourist routes.
- Inspire others to explore the city through photography and make slide show videos.
- Cover all city-based themes: architecture, cityscapes, transport, parks, street scenes, urban development, language, accent, uniqueness, atmosphere, history, intangible, mysterious aspects.
- Encourage people to learn languages and improve their photographic knowledge.
- Produce ‘taster’ videos on aspects of language learning – leading on to my online courses
- Provide tutorials on important aspect of city photography – with further info in my online courses.
- Explore parallels and contrasts between cities in terms of architecture, transport and culture.
- Gain thousands of subscribers interested in four home cities and beyond.
- Produce a portfolio of at least 100 high quality slide show videos, plus accompanying writing and photography.
- Live the ideal of European unity and freedom of movement, bringing together four cities, three countries and two major languages.

Manchester is the city and region where I grew up and currently spend most of my time. I am base in Stockport and travel all around the North West region and further via Manchester Airport. I produced the website Eyewitness in Manchester for eight years and I’ve collaborated on books including Rebuilding Manchester, Manchester Then and Now and Around the M60, Manchester’s Orbital Motorway. I am very disappointed with the recent development of Manchester. I will continue to campaign against the destruction of heritage. Manchester is a fascinating and diverse city and region but I feel Mancunians focus too much on their own local area and not on the wider world. Abroad I don’t think Manchester has the high profile it deserves. By adopting an international focus, I hope to raise the profile of Manchester in other parts of Europe and the world.

Liverpool is the counterpoint to Manchester in North West England. I’ve visited there since I was a child and passed through it many times on my way to and from Dublin. In recent years I have adopted the city and people say I’m an ‘honorary scouser’. I am fascinated with the history and character of Liverpool and the Merseyside region. I want to use my videos to explore all aspects of the city and deepen my knowledge. There is still a lot for me to experience in Liverpool. It is a very pro-European city and has an international character. Thanks to the Beatles and other artists, Liverpool is well known around the world. I feel that any material I produce will gain a lot of interest.

Dublin is not just the capital of Ireland and the spiritual home of every person who like me has Irish roots and ancestry. I’ve visited Dublin since I was a small child and I studied Languages at Trinity College Dublin. I had a great time there. I’m fascinated with its unique character and ambience of the city and I like to keep up with Ireland via the Irish media. I know a lot about Irish history and culture and I want to share this knowledge. I think everyone in the UK should visit Dublin and the rest of Ireland because they will see a culture and outlook that’s very familiar but an alternative approach. Dublin one of the top European citybreak destinations. When I was an undergraduate at Trinity College I divided my time between Ireland and England. My ideal is to live in both countries, travelling frequently across the Irish sea, feeling equally at home in both places. Today’s internet connectivity and cheap air travel make this possible. It’s cheaper and quicker for me to get to Dublin than many parts of England. I want my videos to reflect how places seem closer together and distance is no longer a barrier.

Berlin was my home for a year when I was an undergraduate studying German and French. I was drawn to the city because of its unique geography and its position as a flashpoint between East and West. I was fascinated by the Berlin Wall, the clash of ideologies and the idea of living in a place that was literally on the edge or at the front line. I got to know all parts of West Berlin and much of East Berlin too. In Berlin I made huge progress in German language, leading to the high level, near native speaker competency I enjoy today. Since the ‘Wende’ or fall of the Wall, I’ve visited Berlin regularly as well as Leipzig and Dresden. The changes have been astonishing. Today, Berlin is a great place to live and work. Many of my students of German go back and forth there and some have gone to live there. It’s just a short plane ride away, more accessible and cheaper to get to than many other parts of England and Scotland. I would love to spend more time in Berlin and continue to explore its history and geography. As part of my German language teaching I use German-speaking media every day. Mentally I have one foot in Germany and spiritually Berlin is my other home.

I regard these four disparate and contrasting cities as my collective home and though it’s not possible for me to divide my time equally between them, I can project that ideal in my creative work.

I’m also interested in other cities I’ve visited and spent time in, especially New York, London, Hong Kong, and Manila. I felt curiously at home in Chicago. Philadelphia was good too. I spent four years in Abu Dhabi, often visiting Dubai. I love Tokyo and wish I could go there regularly. Paris and Amsterdam are great, though I spend little time there now. Vienna is city I have connections with through friends. I’d love to visit Oslo, Sydney, Beijing, Cape Town, Stockholm, Moscow and many other places. As I visit and revisit other cities I hope to do slide show photo features on them.

Though my interests are wide, I’ve always held a fascination for cities, language, visual art, music, writing and the spoken word. These elements are now brought together in my video portfolio and I hope that I can steadily build it up and project my knowledge, enthusiasm and campaigning views to as wide an audience as possible.

09.09.2018

Is it time to go back to film? 7 reasons to use analog photography – Video online

2018-08-11 By @AidanEyewitness

I made my Back to Film video (above) in 2018 in response to a comment I received an earlier video feature I did 2014 on the subject of Kodachrome (see below).

Set against a slide show of my favourite film photos from 1981 to 2018, I explore the reasons why film is still an important and viable photographic medium.

I urge people to try using film because of its special qualities and because it’s important to gain experience with the old technology if you want to fully experience photography.

I make the important point that it’s not a choice between digital and ‘analog’ (I’m not keen on this word, hence the quotation marks!). In fact the two can be used together. I don’t advocate going back exclusively to film and ditching digital altogether.

A film camera can be an extra means of capturing photographs in addition to your digital cameras.

Here’s the script as well as a selection of the film photos I featured in the video.

I first discovered the power of photography in my final year at university in Dublin, when a friend lent me an Olympus Trip and I went on my first early morning city photoshoot. In the camera was a roll of Kodachrome 64 film. It was a magical experience.

I chose Kodachrome slide film because of its rich colours and fine grain and because I wanted to take more than just snapshots.

inspired by the classic photographers of the past, I wanted to capture the city in all its colours and shades. I became fascinated by the glamour of photography, cameras and the magic of film.

It’s amazing how much detail can be caught within the emulsion of that tiny 36x24mm film transparency.

I continued my photographic journey in New York, where I bought my first camera – a Fujica STX-1 – in a camera shop near Times Square. It cost me 70 dollars.

I started to experiment with exposure and composition. I taught myself photography from this book, the Complete Photographer by Andreas Feininger.

In 2009 Kodachrome ceased production and I made a video about it, featuring this photo. Someone replied and said ‘ Why don’t you try using film again and make a video about it?’. And so in this video I’m going to ask the question:

Is it time to go back to film?

7 reasons to use analogue photography.

And by the way I don’t like the word ‘analogue’.

And so my first reason to use film is…

1 – Film has a special quality.
There is something about the quality of the colours graininess that’s quite different from digital. There are filters that try to emulate film, some digital cameras are designed to look like film cameras, but why not use the real thing?

Reason number 2 – Film and digital work well together.
You can capture on film, scan the film and enhance in digital. I did that for six years before going mainly digital in 2000. It’s fun to transform film images in Photoshop, easy to correct colour casts and there are filters to remove dust and scratches.

3 – You can become a better photographer by using film
Using a film camera encourages discipline, patience and self-confidence. The pleasure of viewing is delayed. There’s no instant gratification. With 12, 24 or 36 frames, each photo is precious.

Reason to use film number 4 – You will set yourself apart from most other photographers.
Your pictures won’t have that ‘digital’ look. And your film camera will attract attention. It’s a talking point. By using a film camera you are helping to keep our photographic heritage alive.

Reason number 5 – Film cameras are inexpensive.
It’s tragic but equipment that used to cost a fortune is now available at a very cheap price. Manchester I went to the Real Camera Company in and got an excellent quality Olympus OM10.

6) You will learn a lot about photography.
You’ll see the aperture, f numbers and the shallow depth of field. The viewfinder is big and bright with split image focusing. You might find loading the film is difficult at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Taking photographs with a film camera has a purity and simplicity about it and you’ll love the sound of the shutter. I always look at the back of the camera and realise this is a film camera. Today’s digital cameras are a hybrid, they use digital technology to capture and store the images, but everything else is inherited from film.

Reason number 7 – It’s cheap and easy to have the film developed and scanned.
I used a mail order service. The scans are available to download in a day or two. You’ll receive the film strips and prints, which are more secure than images stored on a hard drive.

So is it time to ditch digital and go back to film? No, of course not. Digital is today’s technology. The quality is good, the cost per image is very low.

But if you’re really want to experience photography to the full, then you need to try film. Really it’s just alternative form of image capture and storage.

If you’d like to learn photography, film or digital I’d love to help you. Take a look at my one-to-one tuition, photo walks and other resources. I’m proud to say, many people give them as a present.

So thanks very much for watching and I’ll see you again soon.