Bert Vinyl Photography

05/06/2025

"WAVES ON THE TIDE: The Keelman's Legecy!"

Built in 1701, the Keelman's Hospital stands as a testament to the self- relience and community spirit of Newcastle's keelmen. These workers operated flat-bottomed boats, known as keels, transporting coal along the River Tyne to larger ships. Recognising the need to support their own, the Keelmen funded the construction of this almshouse through a levy of one penny per tide from their wages. The hospital provided shelter for sick & retired keelsmen and their families for over 180 years.

After serving various uses over the years; the building has been vacant since 2009. Efforts are underway to restore and repurpose it into affordable housing, ensuring that this historic structure continues to serve the community.

What do you think should happen to historic buildings like this? (Preserve them or repurpose for modern use?)
If walls could talk, what stories do you think this place would tell?
Have you heard of the Keelmen before now? 😊

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02/06/2025

"Resting Places & Round Spaces!"

Sandwiched in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, All Saints Presbyterian Church is a striking 18th- century architectural gem, notable for its rare elliptical design.

Built between 1786 - 1796, if replaced a previous medieval church on the same site and stands as one of the city's few Georgian churches.

It's presence amidst old gravestones and modern office blocks; quietly bridges centuries of Newcastle's history!

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30/05/2025

"A Walk On the WET Side!"

- the Series

A moody North Sea sky, the slick shine of rain on stone, and my mate walking the line where the River Tyne meets the ocean.
This is South Shields Pier... built through grit and storms in the 19th century, to guide ships safely into the Tyne.
Today, it's a place of quiet walks, sea air and for moments like this. 🤩

Two lighthouses still stand watch, as they've done for over a century, where industry once thrived and the river roared with ships & coal.

Sometimes the best kind of journey is just a rainy walk with your best friend at the edge of the world! 🌊

Where's your go-to place for clearing your head? (piers, the beach, outdoors in nature or somewhere else?) 🙂
Do you prefer sunny beach days or dramatic, moody seascrapes like this one?
Ever taken a walk that ended up meaning more than you expected? Tell me about it!
Let me know down below peeps. 👍

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29/05/2025

"Foundations of Progress!"

Under the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, a striking view reveals the quiet strength that supports the movement above. 🚆

Spanning the River Tyne, this bridge was completed in 1983 to carry the Tyne and Wear Metro over the water between Newcastle and Gateshead.
Designed as part of the region's ambitious public transport development, it stands as a symbol of modern engineering interwoven with the industrial heritage of the North East.

From this angle, the symmetry and scale offer a reminder - what we build beneath often defines the heights we reach!

Do you think modern infrastructure can be just as beautiful as historical architecture?
What other hidden views or angles in our city deserve our attention?
How do places like this blend into your everyday life, or stand out?
Drop a Comment below and let me know beautiful people! 🙂

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29/05/2025

"Crossing Time: Penshaw/Fatfield Bridge & the River Wear"

Nestled in the serene landscape of Tyne and Wear, Penshaw (also known as Fatfield) Bridge elegantly links Penshaw to Fatfield in Washington.

This lattice girder bridge (opened in 1890) spans the River Wear, not from far the iconic Penshaw Monument. 🏛️
Originally built to carry the railway and now part of the route for walkers, cyclists and road vehicles, it stands as a quiet witness to the region's rich industrial past and ever evolving future.

Beautiful nature and the peaceful waters make this the perfect spot to pause and reflect. 🏞️

Have you ever crossed this bridge before and how? (walked, cycled or driven over)
What's your favourite memory of visiting the riverside near this area?
Do you have your own favourite spot along the River Wear- or any more hidden gems you'd recommend?
As always, drop a Comment below and let me know ☺️

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27/04/2023