Mirror on Blackburn

Had a meeting this morning with the Deputy Head of Tauheedul Islamic Girls School in Blackburn, and so this is a view on my way there, taken from the top of Bicknell Street looking south down the hill towards the school with the town centre off in the distance. Adjacent to the school and bottom right of the hill is the mosque and minarets of Masjide Tauheedul Islam, which was first established here in the 1960's.

I have posted this photo primarily because I was simply fascinated (it doesn't take much) by the vernacular architecture of the old terrace housing - but in particular, how the roofline and eaves compensate for the severe level change down the steep hill. Imagine the rain run-off here.

Blackburn is undoubtedly a unique town with a complex social situation and cultural mix, but is a place I have always liked a lot, mainly because it just exudes it's own sense of individuality and real life. The place has previously been in the press a lot regarding racial tensions, but I must say this is not something I have ever experienced myself first hand.

That said, I did come across this interesting short film made in 2010 called Blackburn and addressed those tensions, being a "Mirror on Blackburn". It is a short 30 minute film written by Holby City writer Chris O Connell and Blackburn actor-director Paul Simpson, in conjunction with the local community. It is about two young men setting out to try and tackle the racial segregation in the town and features both the community and professional actors (like John Henshaw of Early Doors and Looking for Eric). It is certainly rather imperfect and cheesy in parts, however, it has it moments.

Interestingly, many scenes feature the backdrop of the artwork Colourfields in Corporation Park. This is the last of the Panopticons public art series that I have yet to feature.