As is so often the case, I am a little pressed for time this week, having been volunteered to take on some extra work (which I have no capacity to do) for another parallel team until the end of March. New relationships, ways of working and projects adds up to heightened pressure, but I will not allow this to interfere too much with my mindful moments such as Thursday Doors and photographing street art.
This is the second selection of doors from Peterborough, which bring us closer to the area around the Cathedral, and an area that was historically wealthier than the surrounding districts. I hope you enjoy them.
Grand central portico with Corinthian columns and panelled doors, Peterborough, April 2024Ordinary door on a Grade II listed building built in 1911, Peterborough, April 2024Green gates, Peterborough, April 2024Black door with stained-glass surround, Peterborough, April 2024Exotic doorway fusing the old with the new, Peterborough, April 2024Pair of doors, steps and flower pots, Peterborough, April 2024Black door and sturdy stone surround, steps and flower pots, Peterborough, April 2024Two black arched doors in the grounds of the Cathedral, Peterborough, April 2024
There is not a lot more to add this week, so I will look forward to next time.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Last year, I made a work trip to Peterborough to run a workshop, and as ever when on my travels, I took the opportunity early in the morning before the workshop started to gather my thoughts and have a little wander around the place taking photographs and noticing things.
Peterborough is a Cathedral City in eastern central England, and although I have visited it before when I lived in Cambridgeshire, it was always on a night out or to an office, so I hadn’t really ever got to know the place. What surprised me the most wasn’t the incredible architecture around the cathedral or the clean and tidy streets, it was instead the levels of deprivation, and I was quite shocked. There were a lot of rough sleepers about the place and the tell-tale signs of a poverty-stricken society containing streets full of bookies, pound shops, gambling arcades and vape shops – ‘Aladdin’s caves’ of bright lights and hope.
I have to say I found the experience profoundly depressing, and a contemporary illustration of how the previous government of 14 years had failed people at the lower end of the economic spectrum. The first thing I saw as I stepped out of the station was a long queue of people with tatty clothes and plastic bags outside a foodbank. We should hang our heads in shame that foodbanks even exist in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, while the richest in our society just get richer.
On a brighter note, Peterborough had pockets of street art and, importantly to today’s post, plenty of interesting doors to admire. Let’s get cracking:
White garage doors, Peterborough, April 2024An interesting door surround at the Tavan Moroccan restaurant, Peterborough, April 2024Black door and fabulous stonework, Nacro Education, Peterborough, April 20241930 iron and glass latticed door, Peterborough, April 2024Norman gateway and double doors (not a perfect fit), Cathedral Square, Peterborough, April 2024Closer view of the Norman gateway and double doors, Cathedral Square, Peterborough, April 2024Some nice symmetry around the black door of this 1837 building erected by Edward Wortly, an MP of the city, Peterborough, April 2024
Plenty more to come from this trip to Peterborough next time. May I wish you a happy weekend.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Time flies. I can’t believe that it was November 2023 when I went on tour with my daughter to check out potential universities. Since that time she decided to go to Leeds and has just successfully completed her first term there. I have to say that I was quite taken with Sheffield, a city I hadn’t been to before, and would have been quite happy if she had accepted a place there. As it is, Leeds is my paternal ancestral home and I am very happy that she is there.
The doors this week were snapped up during the short visit we made, and unlike most of my city doorscursions, this is a one-off post from Sheffield, which I hope you enjoy:
Modern green door on an Art Deco style building – the balcony door is original, Sheffield, November 2023Green doors on an Art Deco style building, Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023Back street door with tags and stickers/paste ups (skeleton by D7606), Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023Raven Silverware Co Ltd door, Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023Red electric meters door, and interesting stone surround, Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023Leader House black door, Sheffield, November 2023Fine black door and steps, Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023The Sheffield School of Gin sounds fun – two black doors, Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023Mount Zion gate and doors, Sheffield, November 2023, Sheffield, November 2023
So that’s it for another week. May I wish you a very happy weekend.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 290 – A look back at some of my favourite doors from the last year
I am running late with my post today. There is not a lot to say about these doors, other than all of them were posted this year, even though a number were actually photographed last year (such is my backlog).
I hope you enjoy the selection, but most of all may I wish you a very happy Christmas and holiday period:
Ancient studded door within a door, Cotehele, Calstock, Cornwall, August 2023Ornate wooden door, Cotehele, Cornwall, August 2023Wooden door with beautiful carvings, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy, July 2023Stylish modern door, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy, July 2024An Ottoman influenced door, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy, July 2023Cottage green door, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, October 2023Old door in an old wall, Nottingham, November 2023Pink doors of the Highgate Pantry (formerly Wylies Bakery), Highgate, London, November 2023Yellow door, black door, green door, Highgate, London, November 2023Recessed wooden door with a fine stone archway, Cheltenham, July 2023Slimline door, Assisi, Umbria, Italy, July 2023Magnificent doorway and doors to redbrick building, Manchester, November 2023Stunning entrance with tiles, iron gates and red stone and modest black door , London, March 2024Tudor House and door, Stepcote Hill, Exeter, October 2023The colonel’s house green door, Exeter, October 202410 Cathedral Close door, Exeter, Devon, October 2024A pair of black doors beneath a decorative awning, Exeter, Devon, October 2023
So that’s it for 2024. Thank you so much for dropping by and making Thursday Doors totally worth participating in. I will be returning next year with more doors from my travels and trips, which I look forward to sharing with you. Until then, au revoir.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 289 – Doors from Exeter, Devon, October 2023 – Part VII
Thank you for your patience. Today I complete what has been a marathon sequence of posts of doors photographed during a two-hour doorscursion in Exeter in October 2023. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing these doors, but am also looking forward to moving on to some other themes and places in the new year.
There are quite a lot of doors in this last selection, which rounds off the walk and picks up a few odds and ends too. Let’s get cracking:
Plain panelled cream door (no handles) and boot scraper, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Two black doors, and curious trapezoid windows (reminiscent of the Egyptian House in Penzance), Exeter, Devon, October 2023Functional black glass-panelled door and fancy surround, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Black door with ornate wooden frame and stained-glass panel, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Black door with columns at number 5, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Storage unit doors built into a huge wall on the quayside, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Shop doors and wonderful ancient lintel, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Ruin with a fine archway, Exeter, Devon, October 2023‘Chocolate box’ scene in Exeter (plenty of doors to choose from), Exeter, Devon, October 2023Gatehouse entrance, Exeter, Devon, October 2023When two buildings collide – the view from inside the church must be a little odd. Blue door, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Two Tudor timber-framed buildings in the city centre – doors somewhat obscured and downgraded, Exeter, Devon, October 2023
If you have the time, you can read more about these two Tudor buildings here.
Well, that really is it from Exeter for the time being, unless I go back for another doorscursion. Next time I think the idea is to post favourites from the last 12 months, which could be a little challenging. Have a great weekend.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 288 – Doors from Exeter, Devon – Part VI, October 2023
Can it really be 5 December already? This year has whooshed by at an alarming rate, and Christmas is just around the corner. I find this time of year quite tricky. The lack of daylight I am sure sets the tone, but my work also has a peak in December, as the teams I work with want to get everything lined up before the Christmas break, and while the Christmas period might then be ‘sorted’ and quiet for them, it is far from that for me and my team. I am also preparing for a crazy busy spring, although on the upside, I am likely to be ‘on tour’ again and should have the opportunity to visit some new towns and cities and snap up a few more doors.
This is the penultimate selection from Exeter, which I have really enjoyed sharing with you. It is amazing just how much ground I covered and how many doors I photographed in a two-hour walk. Today’s doors are a bit of an eclectic mix, but pretty much presented in chronological order. Enjoy.
Exeter Castle gatehouse and gates, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Exeter Castle gatehouse, Exeter, Devon, October 2023A pair of green security doors and delicate lanterns, Exeter, Devon, October 2023Black garage doors (once green and brick-red), Exeter, Devon, October 2023More of a wedge than a door, perhaps a coal bunker? Exeter, Devon, October 2023Red door at number 31 and 32, Exeter, Devon, October 2023A black door to a barristers chambers with a decorative tiled path, Exeter, Devon, October 2023A fine set of double doors and a grand doorway, Exeter, Devon, October 2023A pair of black doors beneath a decorative awning, Exeter, Devon, October 2023
This last pair of doors definitely makes it into my top ten for the year, possibly even my top three, so I expect you’ll be seeing them again in my annual round up.
As I mentioned earlier, next time will be the final selection from Exeter, before moving on to something a little different. Thank you for your patience. I hope you have a fine weekend.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 287 – Doors from Exeter, Devon – Part IV, October 2023
My doorscursion in Exeter from October 2023 continues with this selection of doors primarily from the Exeter Cathedral area of the city. Of course, I have focussed my attention on some of the older and more characterful doors of the city, but unlike other places, there is quite a high proportion of these special doors. I am a little busy this morning, so my introduction is brief, but I hope you enjoy today’s offering. I think there are one or two very special doors here:
Exeter Cathedral doors, Exeter, Devon, October 2024Exeter Cathedral central door surrounded by dozens of stone statues, Exeter, Devon, October 2024Exeter Cathedral side door (North side), Exeter, Devon, October 2024White door and black frame, Number 1, Exeter, Devon, October 2024Blue doors, Exeter, Devon, October 2024Arched double doors, Exeter, Devon, October 2024Cathedral Close door, Exeter, Devon, October 202410 Cathedral Close door, Exeter, Devon, October 2024
This last door at number 10 Cathedral Close is a carved oak door from the 16th or 17th century. The studded door has a small postern door to allow pedestrian access, without having to swing the heavy weight of the main door open. This is special.
Well, that’s it for another week. Still more doors to come from the wonderful city of Exeter next time. Have a great weekend.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 286 – Doors from Exeter, Devon – Part III, October 2023
This week I continue with my stroll around Exeter in October 2023 with a set of doors from the area around the cathedral. Naturally, I cherry-pick the doors I photograph, and for every gem, there are dozens of duds. I wouldn’t want you to think that Exeter, or any other English city I have featured, is jammed full of stunning period buildings – if only that were true. Unfortunately, the war and ensuing modern town planning destroyed swathes of beautiful old and ancient buildings, and those that remain are like J.R.R. Tolkein’s ents.
Enjoy the doors:
The colonel’s house green door, Exeter, October 2024Formal doorway with portico and wonky door, Exeter, October 2024Exeter Guildhall and door, Exeter, October 2024Slim church door, Exeter, October 2024A ‘keep out’ kind of door on a ruin, Exeter, October 2024Studded black door, Exeter, October 2024Ghost door in a wall, Exeter, October 2024Door beyond a gateway, Exeter, October 2024
That’s yer lot for this week. Next time I will post some pretty special doors from the cathedral grounds, in this continuing series from Exeter.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 285 – Doors from Exeter, Devon – Part III, October 2023
Another selection of doors from Exeter photographed during a two hour walk in October last year. Today’s doors have a distinct ecclesiastical flavour, and plenty of red sandstone, typical of Devon. I hope you enjoy these doors.
Black door and grand entrance, Exeter, October 2023Close up – black door and grand entrance with portico and ionic columns, Exeter, October 2023Simple church door, Exeter, October 2023Church door with disproportionately large awning and a royal coat of arms, Exeter, October 2023Church door with notice board, Exeter, October 2023Door with stone archway and large hinges, Exeter, October 2023Church door with stone archway, Exeter, October 2023Small black door, Exeter, October 2023
Another busy week for me (it was ever thus) and rather a short post. Hoping I’ll be able to provide a little bit more commentary on the continuing selection of doors from Exeter next time. Have a good rest of week.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Doors 284 – Doors from Exeter, Devon – Part II, October 2023
Another quick stroll through Exeter this week with a few more doors that I photographed on a 2 hour stay there last October. I hope you enjoy them:
Black door – white door, Exeter, October 2023Blue door, Exeter, October 2023Blue gate with artwork from None Here, Exeter, October 2023Church door with characteristic Devon red sand stone walls, Exeter, October 2023Grand green arched door, Exeter, October 2023Recessed green door, Exeter, October 2023Different doors in a shared doorway, Exeter, October 2023
Sorry, but a really quick one today. More from Exeter next time – may I wish you a spooky Halloween.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Natural adventures 