Grotesques at St Mary's

The East end of St Mary's church is the oldest part of the building and dates from the early 1300s. It was built of sandstone and still supports the original oak roof timbers on walls 1.5 metres thick. The stonework around the windows end in grotesques.

This one is on the left hand side of the easternmost window and there is a similar one on the right.

A Grotesque is simply the carving of a face (or body and face) of an animal or creature on the side of a building. Ones that incorporate drainage spouts are termed gargoyles. Gargoyles are therefore a sub-division of Grotesques.

This one is in the middle of the window.

A contribution to Inspired Sundays.

The Artism Gallery

8 Market Place is a late 18th or early 19th century house incorporating a 19th century shop front and reusing timbers of medieval or 17th century origin. The second-storey wall has ghost advertising (partially obscured) which relates to its past use as Ladies and Gents Tailors.

In 2010 it was a coffee shop after which it became the "Vintage Style Agency" and then the "Teenage Market". In March 2015 it was home to the vintage clothes shop "Loyal Retro".

The latest occupant is The Artism Gallery run by Brin Morris who creates sellotape sculptures some of which can be seen sitting in the window looking out at the Market Hall (aka the Glass Umbrella).

The gallery displays artwork from local artists and runs interactive workshops. More information can be found on their Facebook page.

A contribution to Our World Tuesday.

Upholsterers of distinction

Upholsterers of distinction claims the nameplate on the former premises of the Stockport Restoration Co. on Avenue Street.

The building on the tautologically named Avenue Street off Great Portwood Street probably looked quite stylish in its day.

Buddleia is a plant that will grow almost anywhere and loves to attach itself to derelict buildings such as this.

A contribution to signs, signs and Floral Fridays.

The Rivers Run Through

"The Rivers Run Through" is an artwork designed by young people working with Stockport Youth Offending Service and local artist Karen Allerton.

Part of a Stockport Art Trail it is a collaboration between Stockport's Youth Offending Service, Public Health and Sustrans.

The mural was installed recently on the wall below the M60 motorway opposite the confluence of the rivers Goyt and Tame to form the Mersey.

It is fixed in front of the wall rather than attached directed to the wall like a conventional mural which may make it less of a target for taggers.

A contribution to Monday Murals and Blue Monday.

Quackers at Marple

In and out of the water at Top Lock Marina on the Peak Forest Canal.

A contribution to
Weekend Reflections;
Scenic Weekends;
Saturday Critters;
Camera Critters.

Marple ducks

The notice sellotaped to a tree on alongside the Peak Forest Canal at Marple reads:
PLEASE READ

Ducks need a
nutritional diet too.

Feeding white bread to ducks can
stunt their growth and prevent
them from flying. Give them
a healthy dinner of cracked corn,
birdseed or oats instead.

The nearest ducks I encountered were enjoying the manicured lawn of a house on the opposite side of the canal.

A contribution to Wednesday Waters and signs, signs.

A life-changing place

This mural on a wall of the subway at Stockport station is described nearby as Stockport Artwork created by Arc service users:

"A life-changing place"

Arc is Stockport's specialist arts and health charitable organisation.

We work from our Challenge Centre in Reddish - art Studios and gallery - with individuals who face often severe and multiple disadvantages linked to mental ill-health. We use the arts to help them to transform their lives.

We run a Community Programme including an outreach agency and a graphic design service - engaging people creatively at Stockport's Stepping Hill Hospital, Children's Centres and in the wider community via bespoke art groups, events, market stalls and festivals.

The artwork on display here has been designed as part of Arc's 'Arc:Light' programme, in which vulnerable adults recovering from mental distress are given opportunities to develop skills and confidence through a creative process. In this instance they have learnt digital graphic design skills and produced work that represents key icons and themes around Stockport town centre.

We hope that this installation encourages dialogue around mental health issues and the impact of mental ill-health on our lives.

This installation is a joint partnership between Arc, Virgin Trains and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

A contribution to Monday Murals.

Reflections of a pigeon

After an afternoon of heavy rain, a pigeon is pecking at puddle outside the Merseyway Shopping Centre.

Another was flying in to see what was to be had.

A contribution to
The Weekend in Black and White;
Weekend Reflections;
Scenic Weekends;
Saturday Critters;
Camera Critters.