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Image Licensing : Grand Union Canal a065340
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Grand Union Canal a065340
GRAND UNION CANAL, London. A view from a misty canal towpath showing a man steering an industrial canal barge along the canal towards a road bridge. Photograph 1955-1965, John Gay. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 628549
Filename: aa065340.jpg
Size: 4350 x 4342 (8.5MB)
Date: 26th October 2007
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: English Heritage Images
Atmospheric Boat Bridge Mist Water
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > John Gay Collection (1945-1990)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1900s - 1910s
> Transport > Inland waterways
> Transport > Ships and boats > Inland boating
> The way we were > Georgian Life > Georgian industry and commerce
> The way we were > Work
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, captured by John Gay between 1955 and 1965, presents a tranquil scene along the Grand Union Canal in London. The image is bathed in a soft, atmospheric mist, which adds an ethereal quality to the water's surface and envelops the towpath in a mystical haze. At the heart of the scene, a man intently steers an industrial barge, its rust-colored hull reflecting in the still, mirror-like water. The barge's long, flat-bottomed design and high sides are reminiscent of the traditional canal boats that once plied the waterways of Britain, transporting goods from one place to another. The towpath, lined with tall, leafless trees, leads the eye towards a road bridge in the distance. The bridge, with its ornate stonework and arches, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the past. The scene is one of quiet reflection, where the gentle sounds of the water lapping against the barge and the crunch of gravel underfoot are the only interruptions to the peaceful serenity. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when the Grand Union Canal was a vital artery for transportation and commerce in London. Today, the canal is a popular recreational destination, where people come to walk, cycle, and boat, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the waterway. This image by John Gay serves as a reminder of the rich history and enduring charm of the Grand Union Canal.