JennyOwen

By JennyOwen

On Infirmary Road

Recently I blipped a partly-completed mural not far from our neighbourhood. I went down today to record the finished piece for ArtUK, and it's looking really good.  It's part of a local art trail, and the artist's brief was to reflect the history of the area and its various communities - including the local steel industry and the Victorian infirmary (long since replaced by a more modern hospital elsewhere).
I have vivid memories of the infirmary, having had a minor operation there in 1979. I still remember being wheeled along dimly-lit corridors towards the operating theatre, noticing exposed pipe work and various other dusty details en route. I'm not sorry that it's been replaced.
There are more details about the art trail, the mural and the artist here:
https://www.zestcommunity.co.uk/old-police-station-mural/
The trip ended with an odd encounter. As I walked back to the car, I heard a very quiet voice behind me. At first I assumed it was someone on their phone. But then I heard a clear request: 'Have you got time to take some photos?' It was a slight young man with a football (extra). I did take some photos; he seemed completely at ease with the process. I took down his email address and checked it with him.  But the message I sent later, with photos attached, has bounced back.  I've tried various permutations of his name, but I haven't found any trace. He did seem quite fragile. I hope he's OK, and that perhaps there'll be a way to get the photos to him after all.

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.