Andy Marshall's Genius Loci Digest: 27 Jan 2023

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I'm an architectural photographer. I travel around Britain recording and interacting with special places that have a spirit about them. I work from my camper van called Woody and I share my experiences via this digest.

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Photo-hoard

The 16th Century Old Wool Hall on the corner of Water and Lady Street in Lavenham, Suffolk, England, UK.

Words

There are certain places, conjunctions of line and contour, where thoughts settle and cohere.

Richard Skelton - Beyond the Fell Wall

Observations

#churchex

Many years ago, after spending some time photographing some of the churches for the Churches Conservation Trust, I started to come up with some graphic designs to help engage others with the idea of exploring the material culture in our churches. They were never used - but they still have a message.

I thought I'd share them with you - so here they are:

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Hotspots

Anglesey

St. Cwyfan

After the joy of Conwy I focus on the task in hand. I've been commissioned to photograph St. Cwyfan's. In Welsh it is known as Eglwys bach y môr - the little church in the sea.

This is a place of transition - between the land and the sea, between heaven and earth and between time and tide. On a quiet sun lit morning, this is a slice of heaven.

I've been given permission to take the van down a single lane track to the beach - so that I can work close to the church.

Transitional places only give themselves up at the last minute, and I'm caught between the excitement of what lies around the corner and keeping my eye on the pot holes on the lane.

I can't explain the joy of working through this place with my camera. As soon as the first image is pocketed, the rest of my time here goes by like a blur. It's as if I'm attached to the building - a living chord full of creative nutrients - guiding me through to the sweet spots.

Inside I work through the brief - but am constantly drawn to the roar of the sea and the howl of the wind outside. I can taste the salty smack of the sea outside

- this is a place that fills the senses.

⚡️Discover More

St. Cwyfan's is on the south coast of Anglesey - for location see this google map. It is accessible via the coastal footpath.

There is (rather surprisingly) a racing circuit on the promontory adjacent. Best to visit when this isn't in full swing. The church wasn't open to the public during my visit because of its recent conservation. Best check prior to visiting.

Journey's End

View the full journey from Conwy to Anglesey on Polarsteps

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Vanlife

My Van is my Camera

Being able to get the van (my mobile studio) up close to the site is a real game-changer. I'm able to swap lenses away from the wind and sand. I'm able to take a break and eat a sandwich - re-fuel on the go - without breaking my concentration.

The van is my vantage point - I sit and watch the weather pass - until a break in the clouds, or a change in wind direction (for the drone).

Having my photo studio and equipment on site cuts down my down time and gives me space to use my imagination.

On My Coffee Table

Just bought the book. Astonishing piece of work. Exquisite photography. A tour de force. Congratulations. pic.twitter.com/xFluRWdwWE
— Andy Marshall 📸 (@fotofacade) December 29, 2022

From the Charo's

Todays purchase from Oxfam in Ilkley. Get home, close the curtains, dim the lights - a rattling good read for tonight. Will hide it under the bed. 😳 pic.twitter.com/Wzy64q48bm
— Andy Marshall 📸 (@fotofacade) December 29, 2022

Bookmarked

Film and Sound

From the Twittersphere

This is beautiful - thanks to Steve for sharing and to Wayland for turning up:

It was six years ago, and my mate, Pink, had just been told he was going to die. He accepted the news with a grace I can only marvel at, but he said he’d a list of things he’d still like to do.

We sat in a pub one night and read it over. Eight things? Four months? Ok. Deal.

🧵
— Electra Rhodes - writes a bit/archaeologises a bit (@electra_rhodes) January 25, 2023

Treasure Hoard Gazetteer

Andy Marshall’s Treasure Hoard Gazetteer Map

My Treasure Hoard Map is open to all. It is an evolving enterprise and I’ll be adding more entries as time passes.

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More on the Treasure Hoard Gazetteer

And Finally...

I illustrate my own books and have taught creative workshops @V_and_A & @BBCCountryfile.

I trained as a molecular cell biologist-I'm obsessed with how nature & creative activity alter brain activity to improve mental health

My workshops are open to anyone anywhere in the world pic.twitter.com/ql62e2umyF
— Emma Mitchell 💙 (@silverpebble) January 25, 2023

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Really recommend following Andy capturing architecture & urban design across the UK, reminds me of history trips while studying, guided by the formidable arch historian Prof James Stevens Curl https://t.co/N256WxUUyc
— Dr Gill Armstrong MCIAT ARB ❤️🏙📈 (@arch_lintel) January 3, 2023

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