Shops Over Water, Hull Tank Top

A favourite view of Hull, memories of childhood, the thrill of seeing derelict docks, the sinister smoothness of shiny mud and the rotting wooden supports. The half-buried remains of bike wheels and shopping trolleys. And from this sprang the glass and metal shopping centre, its glass reflecting the sky, the walkway drawing us upwards, holding us above the darkness. In the background, the domes of the Dock Office, warm embers of recollection, of visits to the museum with my father. Seagulls chant above, according to legend the voices of lost sailors, and the air tangy with frying and vinegar scents. A wonderful souvenir of Hull, a perfect gift.