SOUTHAMPTON PHOTO ESSAY
LUIZ VALÉRIO DE PAULA TRINDADE
LUIZ VALÉERIO DE PAULA TRINDADE
SOUTHAMPTON PHOTO ESSAY
2017-2018
COPYRIGHT COPY © 2017-2018 LUIZ VALÉRIO DE PAULA TRINDADE All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author.
QUOTE “To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” Elliott Erwitt
INTRODUCTION
I understand that writing about the city where we live in demands from us a different dose
of energy in comparison to writing about some other place where we are mere passers-by. And a possible explanation for this phenomenon lays in the fact that, as time goes by, our way of perceiving things naturalises the surroundings and we no longer notice the daily scenes with the same wonder as a tourist or a newcomer for whom everything is new. Nonetheless, this naturalisation process is not negative and undesirable. In fact, it is an inevitable consequence of living in the place. And, in addition to that, it allows us to explore and bring to the surface aspects of the city that eventually, would escape to the eyes of a tourist because the way the last one perceives the uniqueness of any given place follows a different dynamic.
Having said that, I also add that Southampton it is not a highly demanded tourist destination
in comparison to other renowned British cities and even less in comparison to other famous and fancy European destinations. I know that, at first, it may sound a bit strange for me to say that, but do not get me wrong. I am simply commenting on a fact. Nevertheless, it does not mean whatsoever that the city does not display its peculiar charm, wonders and surprising aspects worth to be discovered. On the contrary. As this photographic essay unveils, Southampton is indeed capable of surprising the visitor (and even its residents) from a variety of aspects.
It is also clear that with regard to a book like this one, it would be humanly impossible to
cover every single square inch of the city in images. In the first place because such endeavour would turn into a sort of encyclopaedic work, and in the second place because in that case, it would not be too attractive for most of the readers. Consequently, I have chosen to select some of the most relevant aspects of the city that I understand that contribute to conveying a sight permeated by the conjunction of the concomitant perceptions of a tourist and at the same time a resident with the expectation that it manages to unveil some of Southampton’s nice and pleasant peculiarities.
In this editorial selection process, I consider that it is
also understandable that one or other aspect is eventually left behind. This way, I do not see it as an issue but rather as something naturally inherent to the process. And above all, if eventually, one or other reader that know the city and misses something, for me it means that the work has succeeded in stimulating people’s perception and sensibility with regard to what the city has to offer. And this is highly positive in any literary work.
Therefore, by the end of this “journey� through
Southampton provided by this photographic essay, I do hope that you appreciate the singularities it has to offer and also that this work contributes to triggering in you the interest in unveiling those and other aspects yourself in person.
The Author
Mayflower Park
EXPLORING THE CITY Please, come explore the city with me through the following series of images that unveil a little bit of Southampton (located on the south coast of England). The publication covers aspects such as the iconic Bargate built in 1180, some city scenes and interesting architectural details, part of its numerous monuments and extremely well-kept parks, the beloved Saint’s Football Stadium, some of the many cruise ships that come to town practically all-year-round, Tudor House and its two universities. Enjoy the ride.
Bargate
Hamtun Street Mural
Castle Gate
Westgate
French Street Park
Civic Centre
Westquay
Holy Rood Church Ruin
Part of Southampton Walls - The Arcade
God’s House Tower
The Water Gate Ruin
Southampton Walls
Ocean Village seen from Itchen Bridge
City Centre
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture - Ocean Village
St Edmund’s Catholic Church
St Mary’s Anglican Church
St Mary’s Anglican Church
Potential abduction area. Beware!
Civic Centre
Civic Centre
Guildhall
Civic Centre Road
Above Bar Street
Central Library and Art Gallery
Richard Andrews (1798-1859)
Mayflower Memorial
Woolston Millenium Garden
Ted Bates, M.B.E. (1918-2003)
Louis Mountbatten (1900 - 1979)
Titanic Memorial
Replica of 14th Century Medieval Cargo Vessel
Cenotaph
Queen Elizabeth II Anchor
Holy Rood Church Ruin
Southampton Common
The Queen’s Peace Fountain
East Park
Palmerston Park
Watts Park
Saint’s Stadium
Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University
Sea City Museum
Sea City Museum
BBC Radio - South
Tudor House
Central Library University of Southampton
University of Souhampton Highfield Campus
University of Souhampton Highfield Campus
University of Souhampton Highfield Campus
University of Souhampton Highfield Campus
University of Souhampton Avenue Campus
SNOW
The climate in Southampton is usually milder than in most other cities across the UK and at winter
time it is not that common to have snowfalls. Nevertheless, by the end of the winter season 2017/2018, most of the country was affected by strong Siberian winds (called Siberian Beast by some weather forecasters or Siberian Bear by others) that brought heavy snowfall even to Southampton for a couple of days. Consequently, I pondered that this event alone deserves a special section in this new edition of the book.
I consider that snowfall comprises an interesting natural phenomenon that adds a unique touch of beauty to the landscape. In this context, several ordinary elements within our eyesight acquire a completely different perspective. Things that we practically do not pay too much attention on our daily routine, all of a sudden is dramatically changed once they are covered by thick snow layers. The snow contributes to creating a sense of wonder on us and a certain curiosity in seeing how such ordinary elements look like covered by snow. The old and ordinary becomes renewed and special. Second, the snow also reminds us of the ephemeral aspect of life events. We know that the snow is beautiful and enchanting but we also know that once the sun comes back in the sky, it will melt down and all that cover will be gone shortly and leaving no visible trace of its passage (unless in people’s memories and cameras). It certainly can be interpreted in a number of different ways. However, I ponder that it is a metaphor remembering us that even though nothing in life is eternal, that does not mean that we cannot appreciate its beauties and have some moments of astonishment.
One tree, two perspectives. Spring time
The same tree at winter time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Luiz Valério de Paula Trindade has been writing for many years and participated in different literary projects including five anthologies. In addition to that, he has already taken part in international book fairs signing his books and have published a considerable number of works including the photographic-literary essay series ‘Cities’. In order to stay up-to-date with new releases and other information about his work, visit his personal website. www.luizvalerio.uk
Printed in The Netherlands by Peecho BV, Amsterdam
Come explore the city through the following series of images that unveil a little bit of Southampton (located in the south coast of England). The publication covers aspects such as the iconic Bargate built in 1180, some city scenes and interesting architectural details, part of its numerous monuments and extremely well-kept parks, the beloved Saint’s Football Stadium, some of the many cruise ships that come to town practically all-year round, Tudor House, its two universities and much more. Enjoy the ride.