The South West

04/10/2015 Jake Archer

A photographic publication documenting a day of travel around the cities of Bristol and Bath

The South West

This is a documentation of travel. The time scale stretching across a 12 hour day, beginning in the early hours of a Sunday morning thick with fog in Bristol, progressing into a more clear skied afternoon walking the streets of bath.

Bristol and Bath are both rich with history and wealth, however differ uncomparably in charm and character. Whilst visiting bristol no doubt the landmark is Brunel’s suspension bridge, I visited this in the early hours at which time the other end of the bridge was lost in a sea of fog. There was something quite haunting about visiting at this hour, the strong seemingly indestructuble fixture getting lost somehow within the elements.

As the day lifted so did the streets of Clifton village soon filled with open windows and small shops opening for Sunday business. The sun soon hid every trace that the fog had layed before it. The buildings in Clifton are some of my favoutites and it is clear why so many people desire to own propertys here. From the endlessly cool boutiques such as Hoko and Number 18, quaint cafes for a Sunday catchup, slick bars for a afternoon cocktail and even a spa, you could kill a morning here any day, probably along with your bank balance.

Leaving the main village of Clifton doesn’t leave you to far from the Bristol downs and more importantly the Botanical gardens of Bristol. Abundant with glass houses to make any keen gardener jealous. With plants big enough to make you question your significance this place is for sure worth a visit. And almost tricks you into that tropical holiday experience when you open the glass door to be hit square In the face with 100% humidity.

I then caught the 15 minute train into bath.

Taking you through the more shall we say ‘suburban outskirts’ of Bristol and through into the Roman buildings of bath, this city is not short on history and this is obvious from the get go. I was blessed with the weather on this particular day and quickly made my way out of the hustle of the main centre towards Pultney bridge, ever the famous Instagram spot of bath it screams typical bath heritage and the buildings are full of original fixtures and large Roman bricking, enchanting archways and pillars. Similarly to Clifton, Bath also homes a spa this one people travel from the world over to get to though! Although sadly I wasn’t visiting the spa today its setting is in some of the most standout brickwork in bath and I couldn’t help but snap some of its charm. I then headed right up to the top of bath which probably the Instagram photo of bath fit with the Valencia filter, the crescent its self. In all honesty on a sunny day anyone could get lose a day up there dreaming of owning one of the property’s, staring right down on bath and set right away from the business of the centre, practically the celebrity life.

I think often, I take for granted where I live.

The south west can often get landed with the ‘gurt lush’ and ‘cuz ize worth it’ label, which of course has its humour and is probably a big part of Bristol. However through documenting this day of travel over the span of 12 hours I can honestly say I think the rich history gets over looked, by myself included. I didn’t even know the botanical gardens existed! I think the importance to ‘look up’ comes into play and take note of my surroundings and be aware people would travel far and wide to see what I see everyday on my walk to uni, or to collect my girlfriend from work.

04/10/2015