Shrewsbury - The Dana Prison

Just for a change from all the mountains, oceans and forests, I decided to visit a prison. In Shrewsbury we have the Dana Prison, first built in 1791 and closed in 2013 and has got to be one of the most interesting and unnerving places I have ever visited.

We had a guided tour first with a retired guard who was incredibly informative and very entertaining and I was then left to my own devices to wander at will.

We followed the path a new prisoner would take, from being "welcomed" to the prison all the way through accommodation, healthcare, exercise, regulations, punishments and finally leaving the prison, whether on foot, or otherwise, or in some cases, not at all!

Going in February, the prison was extremely cold and there is a real damp/mould problem going on, I can't imagine how much it would cost to put all that right. But this does all add to the most extraordinary atmosphere.

At the end of the prison's working life, 2 men were housed in each cell with minimal furniture but there were toilets and handbasins. 

I have no idea what it must have been like but the discussion on crime and punishment is for a whole other time and place!

After the tour, on my solitary wander, I wanted the photos to try to show the stillness and the isolation of the prison now, bearing in mind just a few years ago it would have been full, bustling and noisy. It was easy to pick up the ambience, because as I explored, I didn't come across another soul throughout the whole prison! On the self-tour you are allowed to go everywhere that isn't signed otherwise and there was so much to photograph. Luckily I took a tripod as it was really quite dark in places.

They apparently run zombie escape themed parties or something similar here and I can understand how scary they would be. At one point I was setting up the tripod to take a particularly challenging shot, when one of the huge metal doors swung shut with a clang and I spent the next 2 minutes trying to get my heartbeat back to normal, and the next 2 trying to actually open the door as it had wedged shut!

And lets not even talk about the numerous mannequins they had dotted about in order to scare the unsuspecting visitor half to death! We were regaled with various spectral sightings on the tour which didn't help as I have always been troubled with an over vivid imagination!

And on that note, let me mention the final room in the prison, the execution room. I was expecting to go in and feel chills or a heavy atmosphere, but it wasn't like that at all. It was a sobering thought that people had died in that room, and in the 1800's for some very inconsequential crimes, but it just felt like it was too far removed, maybe because the last hanging there was before I was born. Just. 

I have no idea what they intend to do with the prison, but if there is anyway you can get to it before then, I certainly would.

Lessons Learned: My only New Year's resolution this year was to stay out of jail and this visit, which by the way doesn't count as it was voluntary, has reinforced the determination. So having spent most of my life accepting that everything I secretly enjoy is immoral, illegal or fattening, I guess I am going to have to go with 2 out of 3!

Diet Diary: Damn, 1 out of 3 then!

Rambling Record: That little behind is getting a bit bigger! Need to get my act together or else I will be doing an awful lot of walking in December!

A different Approach

Do you ever do something and think "that's exactly the same as I did it last time" I have been finding myself thinking that way about the photography. My own fault, because I have my very favourite places to visit and when you have already taken 630 photos of Criccieth Castle, it's hard to make No. 631 stand out! I think because of that I have struggled with enthusiasm, hence being over a month since I last posted.

So, I am trying something a bit different. I am having a go at being a bit more abstract. Thinking more about colours, shapes and textures. Not sure if I have got it yet, but I have had guidance and inspiration from someone who is amazing at this type of image (see photographers to inspire) so I have absolutely no excuse!

I like the shapes and colours here and the way the light falls. I have wanted to keep some of it out of focus to take attention to the back of the photo. Maybe it's not "art" but I kind of like it.

These were taken on a recent trip to Aberystwyth. It is a fabulous place to look for texture as the sea has played havoc with the front. The rust and dereliction is strangely beautiful and the colours in it just glorious.

I found myself looking at so much detail and I think that this will really help when I look at landscapes too, seeing everything in front of me and not just the focal point.

This is one of my favourites. Love the bubbly textures on this van together with the rich golden colours, but I really love the hook! Tell me that doesn't look like the wisest old owl! No, just me then!

This is a broken window on one of the shelters along the prom and I loved the patterns in it. Had to put it on manual focus as the camera couldn't seem to settle on one part to focus on, but it came out ok I think.

Did have to get one seascape in, plus a couple of castles!

So I have really enjoyed the different approach and will definitely do more. But I do think I still at the moment prefer the more scenic shots. I look at the scaffolding poles and think "yes, I really like it, but do I want it hanging on my wall?" Probably not!

Lessons Learned: I think the key to much in life is to find someone or something that inspires you, and be brave in trying something new. They say you should do one thing everyday that scares you! I am doing my darndest to live by this rule. It can be scary at times but it can also be interesting, intriguing and a whole lot of fun!

Diet Diary: Nope, nothing. Just can not get my head around it at the moment! Might have to admit defeat and go back to club! (At the precise moment of writing, Carl has just brought me in a chocolate biscuit! I ask you, what chance do I have!!!)

Rambling Record: Slightly better news! Completed over 100 miles so far. A little behind on my target, but not too far (and I think that is the only time the phrase "a little behind" will ever refer to me (see diet diary)).