Quay Ring

Acrylic on canvas 40 x 40 cm

One of my Bridgwater Circle series of paintings photo captured while walking next to the river on West quay, not far from the town bridge, Bridgwater, Somerset.

A rusty ring set in the quay to tie your ship up, from the days Bridgwater was a busy port. The photo not only captured the old ring fixed firm into the pebble textured concrete, but also the attractive colours brought attention to the ring surrounding them, which also protected them, keeping their colours safe.
This painting evokes the busy people rushing about their daily lives from the loading, unloading of the cargo, caring for the boats and taking goods to the market. The noise, vendors selling, the smells, bread, refreshments, beer and the rowdy pubs spilling out onto the streets. The carts, horses, barrow boys, hustle & bustle, frantic in contrast with today’s coffee shop pedestrianization, also a proud reminder that Bridgwater was the first town in the country to raise a petition against slavery.

Original photo 18 ‎Dec ‎2021,‎13:04:18