Hot on the heels of my Southend on Sea Calendar 2025, I'm delighted to launch my brand new Leigh on Sea Calendar 2025, which is in stock and ready to ship or collect.
As a quick reminder, the calendar is supplied in an A4 size for easy posting, but opens to a full double-A4 size (A4 image at the top and A4 dates page below, with plenty of room for notes) and has a hole for wall-hanging - see pics below.
So, if you're looking for some lovely images to last you the whole year through, or if you'd like to send a local gift to a loved one or friend, please head over to the order page here: Leigh on Sea Calendar 2025 Shop
If you'd rather collect or need international postage, that is no problem at all, just please contact me first here for details.
Enjoy!
Well I know it's only late July, but you can never be too prepared, right! So I'm delighted to launch my brand new Southend on Sea Calendar 2025, which is in stock and ready to ship or collect. I've included a wide range of scenes from in and around Southend that I hope you'll find familiar and inspiring.
One of my favourites this year is the early morning image of the Kursaal as the sun was coming up. Little did I know that, only a few weeks after I took that photo, the Kursaal would be boarded up and I'm really hoping that a saviour steps in to bring it back to it's former glory. Also making a debut this year, the gorgeous Southend Cliff Lift and the famous Rossi's Parlour in all its Christmas glory.
As a quick reminder, the calendar is supplied in an A4 size for easy posting, but opens to a full double-A4 size (A4 image at the top and A4 dates page below, with plenty of room for notes) and has a hole for wall-hanging - see pics below.
So, if you're looking for some lovely reminders of how great it is to live here, or if you'd like to send a local gift to a loved one or friend, please head over to the order page here: Southend on Sea Calendar 2025 Shop
If you'd rather collect or need international postage, that is no problem at all, just please contact me first here for details.
P.S. My Leigh on Sea Calendar 2025 is in the works and will follow soon!
Enjoy!
]]>We've just returned from a lovely week in Cornwall and high on my "to-do" list was to get a decent photograph of the iconic St Michaels Mount at sunset. The mount is well worth a visit and the castle is amazing. Not for the infirm, however, as it is a steep and uneven climb up the hill once you've got across to the island - a very short boat crossing at high tide or a walk along the causeway at low tide.
The causeway shot is a photographer's dream when the tide is lapping over the cobbles and I waited a long time to get this at the right time of day and with a decent level of tide. The tide was coming in, so I had to keep moving backwards to avoid getting drenched!
Anyway, I'll certainly be going back there again next time I visit Cornwall.
If you fancy this or any of my images in many forms of print to suit a wide range of budgets, don't hesitate to get in touch!
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The Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, stands as a historical emblem of the British seaside amusement industry, echoing the grandeur of its past and the enduring appeal of coastal entertainment. Opened in 1901, this iconic venue was one of the world's first purpose-built amusement parks, designed to captivate and entertain with its innovative blend of attractions. The name "Kursaal" is derived from the German word "Kurhaus," meaning "cure hall," reflecting its original intention to serve as a place of health and relaxation. Its architecture, characterised by a striking dome and an ornate façade, became a landmark of Southend's skyline, symbolizing the town's ambition to become a premier seaside destination. Over the years, the Kursaal evolved, boasting a variety of attractions including a ballroom, amusement park, hosting Southend United Football Club, greyhound racing, arcade, and bowling alley, securing its place in the hearts of both locals and visitors.
The Kursaal's ballroom, in particular, played a pivotal role in its history, hosting an array of memorable performances that contributed to its legendary status. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a key venue on the live music circuit, attracting a slew of iconic artists and bands that defined the era. Names such as Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Queen graced its stage, performing to crowds and leaving an indelible mark on the venue's legacy. These performances not only showcased the Kursaal as a hub of live entertainment but also reflected the changing musical landscape of the time, with the venue accommodating the rise of rock 'n' roll, punk, and other genres that swept through the UK.
The Kursaal remains a symbol of Southend's rich cultural and entertainment history, even as it has undergone transformations and faced challenges over the years - it's currently closed, but we are optimistic that it will evolve and re-open it's doors once more for future generations to enjoy.
]]>Building commenced in 72AD and was completed in 80AD using between 60,000 and 100,000 people in its construction and it is believed was last used for fights in 435AD. Over its life, around 400,000 are believed to have died as well as many animals.
The Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, because it was built by Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, successors to Nero of the Flavian dynasty. The name “Colosseum” likely comes from the colossal bronze statue of Emperor Nero that used to stand next to the building. This statue was itself modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes.
If you get the chance I would highly recommend a visit (and if you'd like this on your wall, please get in touch)!
Hi all
Just a quick note of the Craft Fairs I will be at over the coming weeks:
1. 18/19th November 12-4pm, Leigh Pop Up, Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 1SP - free entry
2. 26th November 11am-3pm Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 7RA - free entry
3. 3rd December 11am-4pm - Fitzwimarc School, Hockley Road, Rayleigh, SS6 8EB (£1 entry to charity)
If you haven't got your Leigh or Southend 2024 calendars yet or want to stock up on gifts, come along and see a wide range of exhibitors!
I’ll have prints, large and small (framed and unframed) of our local areas including Leigh on Sea, Southend on Sea, Thorpe Bay, Shoeburyness, Westcliff on Sea and Chalkwell as well as some iconic London locations in both colour and black and white. Also, Southend on Sea and Leigh on Sea 2024 wall Calendars, greetings cards and Christmas cards. Prices to suit all budgets!
Thank you and Season's Greetings!
Dave
]]>I had a message from a new customer who wanted 3 large Black and White portrait prints of Leigh on Sea to frame herself. So I went through my collection, created a number of options in Black and White and cropped to her exact requirements. She picked 3 iconic images of Leigh and I then advised her on print quality/paper/pricing, arranged for the high resolution prints to be professionally produced and I then hand delivered them within 24 hours of the order. The customer was delighted and left me a 5 star review on Google.
Here is a picture of the framed up results looking fabulous - these are 50x70cm prints in the customers 91x61cm frames.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or simply want to discuss options further before committing to an order, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone/e-mail/message service without obligation! Click HERE for my contact details.
I’m delighted to announce that my Southend on Sea and Leigh on Sea 2024 Calendars are now available and ready to ship worldwide. Packed with high quality images from our beautiful local areas to stir the soul, these make an excellent gift or why not just treat yourself?
As usual, these are double-A4 size when opened (a full A4 size image at the top and a full A4 dates page below), printed on high quality 250gsm silk paper, with a hole for easy wall hanging. They are supplied closed and bagged in a convenient A4 size for easy posting.
Prices held for the fourth year running! Just £12.99 (collected from me in Hockley) or add £2.40 for UK-wide postage. International postage rates available on request.
To view the calendars in a full slide show click these links:
Southend on Sea 2024 Calendar slide show
Leigh on Sea 2024 Calendar slide show
To go straight to the shopping page, just click on the calendar images above.
If you'd prefer to collect from Hockley/pay direct and avoid postage or for deliveries outside the UK, please E-mail me HERE or contact me by mobile on 07948 352412 directly.
As always, if you have any questions at all or are looking for other wall art products for your home or office, please just get in touch!
Thanks for your continued support.
Well this unassuming structure has a piece of World history attached. This is part of a “Mulberry Harbour” which were hollow concrete “Phoenix” caissons that were built to become floating harbours to support the D-Day Normandy landings in World War 2 on 6th June 1944. 150 were built. This was one of six actually built up in the River Humber and sprang a leak at the River Crouch and was floated to The Thames Estuary for inspection, where it broke free and settled on a sandbank and broke in two approximately 1.25 miles offshore. It has remained there off the coast of Southend on Sea (Thorpe Bay) ever since. It does attract some visitors, but visits should be very carefully planned and timed, as tides here are treacherous and using a suitably experienced guide is strongly recommended.
Having now visited this for the first time in my life, the experience was uplifting and also humbling to think we were so close to a significant piece of World history. I'll certainly be going back!
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It certainly did not disappoint! I can only describe it as like permanently walking around a zoo without being in a zoo, but that simply does not do it justice.
We put in some serious miles, but had the great privilege to see tropical forests, rain forest, cloud forests, volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, coral reefs/fish/turtles, a sailfish, a humpback whale mother and calf, turtle conservation, so many beautiful birds (they have 923 bird species!) including the elusive "Resplendent Quetzal" (considered the most beautiful bird in Costa Rica), iguanas, monkeys, crocodiles, Caiman, butterflies, frogs, snakes, spiders and, of course both two-toed and three-toed sloths, the list goes on and on. I would add though, that we would have missed 90% of this lot if we hadn't had the most incredible tour guide for the whole trip, so if you're thinking of going, I would strongly recommend you take organised, guided tours.
By the way, this was not a photography holiday! But guess what? I took the camera ;-). So I managed to capture some of the magic of that amazing country. I cannot recommend the place highly enough - if you get the chance, go!
Anyway, I've finally finished shortlisting and editing my favourite photos.
You can view the Costa Rica gallery HERE at your leisure here OR if you just want to enjoy the whole slideshow, just stay tuned and watch below!
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As always, this image can be purchased in many printed formats and sizes to suit all budgets and please contact me if you would like current pricing or to discuss options.
I hope you like it!
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Here's one taken from near Victoria station. The light trails are trains running into and out of London Victoria station on a cool February night.
This kind of photo is known as a long exposure and the shutter speed used for this one was approximately 3 minutes!
As always, this image can be purchased in many printed formats to suit all budgets and please contact me if you would like current pricing or to discuss options.
I hope you like it!
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Here's one of my favourites from that session, where I also managed to capture the obligatory red London bus!
As always, this high resolution image is available to purchase in many formats - framed, aluminium, acrylic, canvas, etc, just contact me for all the options and prices.
St Paul's at night in the rainA night time photo of St Paul's Cathedral taken in the rain
Double A4 size when opened (297mm wide x 420mm high), printed in high resolution on 250gsm silk paper, ring-bound, with a full A4 size image above, a full A4 dates page below with ample room for notes/appointments and a hole for wall hanging.
The calendar folds to A4 for easy posting.
Price held for the third year running - only £12.99 plus £2 delivery (UK only, International postage £ CONTACT ME).
Calendars are in stock and ready to post now!
Please CLICK HERE TO BUY to be taken to the shopping page and add the image to your basket.
If you'd prefer to collect/pay direct and avoid postage or for deliveries outside the UK, please CONTACT ME HERE directly.
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Packed with high resolution local images from Southend Pier, our beautiful parks and gardens and Southend Seafront, this will inspire you to explore!
Double A4 size when opened (297mm wide x 420mm high), printed in high resolution on 250gsm silk paper, ring-bound, with a full A4 size image above, a full A4 dates page below with ample room for notes/appointments and a hole for wall hanging.
The calendar folds to A4 for easy posting.
Price held for the third year running - only £12.99 plus £2 delivery (UK only, International postage £ CONTACT ME).
Calendars are in stock and ready to post now!
Please CLICK HERE TO BUY to be taken to the shopping page and add the image to your basket.
If you'd prefer to collect/pay direct and avoid postage or for deliveries outside the UK, please CONTACT ME HERE directly.
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I couldn't resist a "fine art" makeover to this shot as I think it really helps create a moody atmosphere. Let me know what you think!
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Printed in high resolution on 250gsm silk paper, ring bound, punched with a hole to hang them from, these open up to double A4 size (297mm wide x 420mm high), with a full A4 size image above and a full A4 date page below, leaving plenty of room to write in those important reminders!
Only £12.99 plus £2 delivery (UK only). Calendars are in stock and ready to post now!
If you'd prefer to collect/pay direct and avoid postage, please contact me directly.
Please choose your preferred calendar below which will take you to the full details and order page and then click on any one image to add the calendar to your basket:
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If you'd like to have this hanging on your wall in a wide variety of materials (framed prints, acrylic, aluminium, canvas wrap, etc) just get in touch for a no obligation chat about options and prices - thank you!
So I got the tripod down low and made a feature of the chain. I hope you like it!
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Thorpe Bay sunset (Morbank)A dramatic sunset at Thorpe Bay, Southend on Sea, Essex on the Thames Estuary. The boat is called Morbank.
Here's before:
]]>It's a very picturesque path that connects St Clements Church/Leigh Broadway (West) to Leigh Hill (and Old Leigh), so very useful for the locals! That was part of the challenge as there were people constantly up and down the hill at the end of the glorious hottest day of the year so far. I thought it would look great with the street lamps on as the sun was setting, so I got the camera and tripod ready and waited until all the lamps were on. I also got bitten to death by gnats in the process!
Anyway, after several attempts, I got some great shots - here is a taster and there are more on the website - enjoy!
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The bridge is an interesting piece of architecture and is used every day by walkers and joggers and seen by thousands of commuters on the railway. There is a small collection of pictures on the website and here is a taster - I hope you like it!
This one of Southend Pier is very recent, taken last weekend with a perfect combination of high tide as the sun set, giving me this amazing long exposure shot of the pier lights reflecting in the very calm sea and the boat moored to the right adds a lovely balance to the scene. I love it and I hope you do too!
As with all my work, this is available to purchase and would look awesome in a high resolution large format (e.g. acrylic). Please contact me if you are interested!
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