Urban River Project - The River Mersey: from Source to Sea
Eagley and Bradshaw Brook - River Croal - River Tonge - River Irwell - Manchester Ship Canal - River Mersey
The intention of this project was to explore and document the many stages of an urban river. A realistic view of an abused river. From one of it's sources on the moors at Darwen in Lancashire the journey takes us through the wooded valleys to the north of Bolton, through the cities of Salford and Manchester, along the Ship Canal to Warrington, the Mersey Estuary and Liverpool. The entire project took over three and a half years to complete.
It was important that I explored every part of the river - often returning to the same place at different times of the year to witness the different seasons and lighting conditions. Indeed, this kind of project can go on forever so there had to be a point where I made the decision to stop. The images below make up most of the show but there is the same amount again that could not be included in the final edit.
The original idea was to follow one stream but I discovered that the same source splits into two separate water courses - each creating it's own valley and each with it's own interest. I decided to look at both of them with a view to comparing and constrasting the two.
One of the river systems has been used for the supply of drinking water, the other for several mills and industrial use. The two rivers are separated by only half a mile yet are quite different, each having their own points of interest. I have tried to compare these differences before they both join to become one river just to the south of Bolton.
I knew the upper course of the rivers from childhood, namely Eagley Brook and Bradshaw Brook. It was a very strange experience revisiting the places I used to know as a child - now having the ability to explore further than the familiar territories I once knew. I was curious to know where it came from and where it was going.
Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image. Click on the close button to close it.
I can recall a dye works at Dunscar on Eagley Brook which used to pour vast amounts of waste directly into the river colouring it green, blue or kharki, the cloth being destined for the MoD. Only towards the end of the 2 weeks Bolton Wakes did I see the fish return. Fortunately, I discovered the dye works has long gone but the river still has to suffer the indignity of being the dumping ground in certan places for anything from old tyres to builders rubble and all manner of non-biodegradable substances by inconsiderate individuals.
The changes in the river are vast, not only on a geographical scale (from a stream you can stride across to an estuary 4 miles wide) but also socially and environmentally. It seems ironic that the same river can be a place to find a burnt out car less than a mile away from 'luxury riverside apartments'.
Despite the obvious abuse and misuse of the river which is shocking and pitiful to see, I still feel optimistic for the future. Let us hope that a more responsible attitude of both industry and individuals will help to make the river and it's surrounding a better place. I'm glad to say in the time frame it took me to complete the project there has been a good deal of improvement with the opening of Country Parks, walkways and massive amounts of investment at Salford Quays and Manchester for business and residential use.
The project was mainly self-funded but I am very grateful for contributions from Salford City Council, The Environment Agency (formerly NRA), North West Arts, The Mersey Basin Campaign and Fuji Film. Special thanks to Simon Grennan at the Viewpoint for support and much needed objectivity and a large thank you for the wonderful prints produced by Charlie Meecham.
Exhibited at:
The Viewpoint Gallery, Salford. March-June 1998
Folly Gallery, Lancaster. May-August 2002
Room 107, Preston. January 2003
Lowry Centre, Salford. August-November 2003
This project was the subject of BBC Radio 4's Open Country program in August 2003 to coincide with the opening of the Lowry Centre's 'River Journeys' Exhibition.