A constant theme of my interest in art is the variety of techniques on show.
My Weekend Open Studios visits prompted me to dig out some wooden offcuts I had minded to fashion into buildings.
The idea for “woodtown” was to provide my grid gaming with appropriately sized buildings. And they would be in keeping with the abstract nature of grid boards. In terms of the art they are definitely inclined towards Paul Nash. Ferens Art Gallery can be found in Kingston Upon Hull and an interesting painting by Paul Nash can be seen there.
Paul Nash – East Coast Portsome old bits of 2×1 with 45 degree cuts to create the roofline – at various heights to emphasise the randomness of old italian hill towns. The wood grain helps deflect thoughts that these are just bits of wood.The two clusters – the rough wood finish works on the red roof while the uneven whitewash fits the style
They make their first contribution in my recent Neil Thomas 1864 Minigame. Ironic that the game did not use grids…………
Myton, Wyke and then Kingston upon Hull to give it its proper name has always looked to the sea and has many connections with northern Europe, notably Scandanavia, the Baltic and the Netherlands or Low Countries.
The River Hull came to prominence in the 12th century when the Cistercian monks of Meaux (near Beverley) exported their wool to Europe and developed the river entrance into a thriving port leading to the creation of the hamlet of Wyke. Wyke is variously described as being a settlement – the word “wic” being a common term although some say it comes from scandanavian meaning creek or small river.
Victorian Arcades can still be discovered with artisan shopsCity Hall and theatre harks back to a time when Hull enjoyed much prosperity
By the end of the 13th century King Edward I granted Wyke its first charter and it became known as Kings Town on the River Hull or Kingston upon Hull.
in 2022 the Maritime Museum reopens after several years of renovationOptimistic Hotels from a bygone erawhen public houses were everywhereimposing buildings remain despite Hull being the most bombed city during World War 2 and then decades of constant demolition and redevelopment the old town down by the river Hull still has some impressive buildings where renovation has given them another lifeAnd yes there still public houses dotted aroundThe river Hull defines the reused Old town on its west bank while the east bank is still largely a different industrial legacyElegant arcades still existwith some very fascinating shops!Trinity Market has been renovated and rejuvenated with plenty of small enterprisesand there are people still remembered through the odd statue such as Amy JohnsonThe Deep Aquarium is a big draw for the cityWith a fabulous central tank holding many species it really is worth a visiteel with attitude!plenty of bright fish to be seenNearby you can find eateries next to the marinaand boats are still to be foundThis shark statue at the Deep with the River Hull flood barrier behind – signs of our timesThe Deep Aquarium is a magnificent site located at the confluence of Hull and Humber
Today Hull, as it is commonly known, is a post industrial city which usually means tourists avoid such places. Hull is rich in history and has some excellent locations to visit. So make 2022 the year you visit.
Kingston Upon Hull is shortformed to Hull. Like Paris the word is short and stubby. From that point on though I suspect people associate Paris in a different way to Hull.
I recently visited Hull, yet only for the second time in four years.
The first visit was in 2017 – Hull was celebrating its city of culture status. Remember them – great big social events with programmes of music, film, theatre and the arts.
Well my lead image is from early 2017.
The Narwhal who owned this tusk lived millions of years ago and was the largest sea mammal in the oceans of its day
Some bright spark thought it would be a good idea to stick a turbine blade in the main square: I thought it was a Narwhal tusk created by Damien Hirst. I guess if it had been then
It would still be there
Hull would now have some serious arts bragging rights in the sculptural world
I might not have got in to the art gallery so easily
Talking of art galleries, the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull or should we make it KUH even KuH or maybe HKu – more interesting – like NY which I think never harmed New York given its worn on so many clothes. Except KuH is cow in german and KH is some game in Japan and HKu denotes Hong Kong University according to the dreaded search engines.
Oh well………
The Ferens Art Gallery is one of those regional city galleries which deserve greater footfall simply because they are less imposing and possibly less intimidating than the big galleries in the very big cities.
In approximately 7 currently open rooms you can steer your way through the history of art in under 100 pictures (I was not counting as such so please go check – you get the drift).
In about one hour – just viewing only those pictures that “really attract” your eye you can be in and out.
Given it is free entry you can always come back again to take a closer look.
So go visit Hull, visit the Art Gallery and get a coffee in the gallery or in one of the nearby cafes. The people on the entrance were really friendly and welcoming, trying to make everyone feel relaxed. Yes we created a brief queue!
ok so it is the product of humans – even so it looks very surreal and could pass for a Damien Hirst GIANT Narwhal tusk at a squint – I think!
In my next post on Hull, I will reflect on something else that caught my eye on my second visit.
The Wargaming Erratic 
