I was back up in the ‘Diff for a short stay this weekend, and took in a few sights from around town.
Pictured above is the Alliance sculpture situated outside the rather splendid Cardiff Central Library.
Consisting of a large stainless steel and enamelled metal arrow column and a hoop, the sculpture stands 25 metres (82 ft) high and glows in the dark. It was paid for by the adjacent St David’s shopping centre.
Minnie Mouse makes a break for it.
Poor old Nye Bevan doesn’t look too good.
National Museum of Wales, Cardiff. The painting is one of my favourites, ‘Steel Works, Cardiff At Night‘ by Lionel Walden (1920).
I love these sculptures by William Goscombe John (1860-1952).
Leaving the museum – and the ruddy Cardiff rain is back again!
Our rainy walk back to the station took us past Caroline Street (aka Chip Alley). Tempted though I was, we sadly didn’t have time to grab a bag of what must be some of the finest chips to be found anywhere.
Tony’s Fish & Chip Bar, ready to serve you Tony’s special, Chicken Curry Off The Bone. Right next door is another legendary Cardiff chippie, Dorothy’s.
Once serving as Cardiff’s sleaziest sex cinema, the Philharmonic Hall started life as a music hall in 1877, and is a Grade II listed building now operating as a pub.
Completely agree about the painting. I work (also in the Steel industry) around the corner from the current Celsa steel works in Tremorfa. It still shares elements of that painting (especially on a cold winter’s night). Outside of my office window is the remaining gate post that used to mark the entrance to the whole industrial site.
Standing at Cardiff station , you often see coal trains (Welsh coal at that from Cwmbargoed) and loaded steel trains clattering through , reminding me of how the economy was based on these resources and despite the many excellent economic developments in Cardiff , the basics are still there to see !)