Wednesday Walk: Looking Up: The Art People are Missing

I popped into my local town, for probably the second time this year, because there's nothing much there these days. Anyway, for #wednesdaywalk initiated by @tattoodjay I decided to make another visit but this time looking up! There's some interesting items on the side of shop buildings, some are part of an art trail, some are advertising shops, past and present.

There is an interesting clock over the door at Chandler's Cocktail Bar. I'm not sure of the story behind it but the bar used to be a hotel from 1870. It's been knocked down and rebuilt since then until it was finally turned into a cocktail bar. The clock has got a steampunk vibe about it.

A couple of sculptures by artist David Mach called 'The Good Guys and the Bad Guys' were commissioned for the redevelopment of the area. Mach said the sculptures "depicted the symbolic battle between good and evil".

Historically, there used to be lots of small workshops and ordinary shops in this particular yard. The artwork gives a nod to the past industries, but also shops that are still operating today, including glove makers, tea and coffee pots for the many cafés in the area, and hands holding fruit and vegetables (melon, cauliflower, artichoke) for the grocery shops.

The last time I saw the shark outside the Groove and Beach Bar, it didn’t have any spikes on it. These are put on to deter the gulls landing on things. Obviously, they're having a bird poo issue on the floor. 😆

Most pawnbrokers are quite easily spotted by the three golden balls hung outside. Folklore suggests these are a symbol of St Nicholas (Santa Claus to you and me), who allegedly saved three young girls from poverty by loaning them a bag of gold each so they could get married. Personally, I'd rather sell the golden ball and keep the money!

Last but not least, yes, this yard unfortunately was used as a toilet late at night. Not any more, though, with the introduction of CCTV cameras. Obviously, some wags have had their say!