Working Title
Bridges
Subtitle
Bridges of the Navigable River Trent (Nottingham to the Humber Estuary)
Topic/Theme
Is the navigable River Trent recognisable from its bridges beyond Nottingham?
I was prompted to consider this question after glancing at a TV quiz show in which the presenter asked contestants to name rivers of capital cities by showing them an image of a landmark. Does one identify the river from the landmark (e.g. bridge) or is it the landmark which is identified with? In considering my local River Trent (one of the longest tidal rivers in England),which is steeped in ever changing history, I recalled that early Roman settlements along the Trent called for river crossings to be established, and due to natural and manmade changes in the river course, crossings had to be replaced. Decline in transportation of goods by train determined that some bridges fell out of use, and consequently the use changed. Bridges across the Trent were expensive to build and therefore to raise the revenue, tolls were charged. Recently, a toll bridge on the Trent was replaced and the toll increased. Local residents objected to the rise. Preservation by interested parties and listed building status keeps a bridge’s profile alive on the internet. Following an internet and library search, I concluded there is not much written or photographed on the River Trent despite its importance through history as an established trade route. So would people recognise the navigable River Trent by its landmarks once it has flowed through Nottingham?
Through research (internet) and visiting Nottingham Central Library (contains several books in the reference section on the navigable River Trent from a historical perspective) I will be able to source information and images to show the characteristics and importance of the bridges. Visiting the bridge and surrounding area will give me a firsthand perspective on how I could demonstrate the importance of the bridge. Reading books and or websites from architectural photographers will show me how to build on my existing knowledge and photograph the bridges creatively.
I have selected 10 - 12 bridges from a possible 23 (24 including the Humber Bridge). By researching images on the internet I will know which are lit at night and will split the list into evening and daytime images. Bridges have different qualities – metal bridges could be photographed in sunlight or equally as effectively in mist. Some bridges may benefit from reflection so watching the weather forecast will enable me to plan journeys.
Audience
This is a personal study which will result in a collection of images. In time, it could be of interest to local history groups or museums alongside the accompanying research. It forms the basis of a project which could be further developed, such as social documentary on the impact of flooding, bridge repairs and change for example increased tolls.
Approach and methods
The bridges I have chosen are all different in age, design and usage. Some are lit at night, creating the possibility of using the existing lights for a night time image, some are metal so light reflects off this, and some are stone or brick with large arches. Some may benefit from monochrome. I hope to capture all or part of the bridge creatively. I will be reading around photographing architecture to help get the best out of this project.
Access
Reviewing the Ordnance Survey Maps used as part of the Trent walks, most bridges have access in the form of towpaths. The one bridge in question is Torksey Railway Bridge so I have chosen not to include this at the present time. Reading I undertook suggested that photographing bridges in America was a national security violation and considered a potential terrorism threat. I am not expecting to encounter any issues but will be prepared to leave if the situation is necessary.
Timetable and budget
I am expecting this project to last 4 months to correspond with my coursework. The bridges are accessible to me, and where I have to make a longer journey, I will be able to look at two bridges in a day (weather permitting). These structures should be accessible at all times of the day; it is only unforeseen circumstances such as accidents or extremely bad weather which will prevent access.
Proposed research references
(need to find architectural photographers books to read)
Taylor, Mike, Francis Frith's down the Trent (2001)
Physical Description: 119pLocal Studies Class: L90.3Subject Headings: River Trent – history Series: Francis Frith Collection Photographic memories ISBN: 9781859373118 Nottingham Central Library
Cement and Concrete Association ,Clifton Bridge, River Trent, Nottingham Publication Information: London Cement and Concrete Association {n.d.} Physical Description: Pbk Local Studies Class: L90.31 Nottingham Central Library
Tarbotton, M. O., History of the old Trent Bridge with a descriptive account of the New Bridge, Nottingham Publication Information: Nottingham Richard Allen and Son 1871Local Studies Class: L90.31Subject Headings: Trent River - description & travel Nottingham – architecture West Bridgford Library
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