David Allan

Sailing towards spring with a River Wear vista in NE England, captured late afternoon during this week's Springtime taster. It was lovely to see the slight haziness diffusing the warmer hues of the sun's rays across Sunderland's city skyline. Bit of a weather blip today (Friday), but the sun is forecast to be back on Saturday. #england #sunderland #wearside #landscape #march2026 #weather #photography

High tide on the River Wear below Queen Alexander Bridge in Sunderland, NE England this afternoon. Officially opened by The Earl of Durham, on behalf of Queen Alexandra on 10 June 1909, at the time it initially held the record as the heaviest bridge in the United Kingdom. The bridge structure is also framing the central pylon further upstream of the Northern Spire crossing which opened to traffic on 29 August 2018. #england #sunderland #bridge #landscape #march2026 #photograph

After learning about the lack of sunlight hours during the start to 2026, it is fingers crossed for some sunnier days ahead as we head into the month of March. This fleeting glimpse of some February sunshine was captured at Sunderland's Herrington Country Park in NE England. This is one of the commissioned art installations situated around the popular open space, with Penshaw Monument, one of the region's best-known landmarks dominating the surrounding landscape. Still vividly recall standing around about here taking photographs when the site was just a huge opencast coal mine – what a transformation since then! The park today attracts many visitors with its safe cycling and walking paths, lakes and a café. In just a few weeks Herrington Country Park will also be the venue for the BBC's Radio 1 Big Weekend. #england #sunderland #bbc #radioonebigweekend #landscape #photography

Heading towards the last weekend of February and it has been good to get out and about as the weather begins to pick up from all the miserable stuff thrown our way since the start of the New Year. I was busy composing a view of a long straight woodland path that heads down towards the Durham Heritage Coast this week when I heard approaching footsteps from behind. A gentleman passed by wearing a bright red jacket which added a great splash of contrasting colour to the woodland hues – perfect timing! Quite looking forward to saying hello to March, the month of the spring equinox, the clocks going forward and the longer hours of daylight. #england #durham #woodland #countryside #february #photography

Yesterday it was snowdrops in a Co Durham coastal dene, today in the 'Secret Garden' at Wallington Hall, Northumberland, it was crocuses. This annual display of around 100,000 crocuses covers some 3,500 square metres in this popular National Trust property garden. They were planted just a few years back across a two-week period by some 20 volunteers. It really is a breath-taking feast for the eyes! #england #northumberland #nationaltrust #crocuses #spring #garden #photography

February is usually the month I like to go and take a photograph or two at my favourite spot for snowdrops, although this year, largely due to the weather, I didn't think it was going to happen. So, I was so pleased to get the chance to pay a visit this afternoon to Hawthorn Dene, Co Durham in NE England, where the annual display once again was looking quite magnificent. Thanks to yet more overnight rain, the path through the dene was quite muddy in parts but at least it was feeling mild and spring-like at 14°C. The snowdrops in and around Hawthorn Dene regularly draw a steady stream of visitors who also enjoy the miles of woodland and nearby coastal footpaths. #engalnd #durhamwildlifetrust #durham #countryside #snowdrops #photography

If you're visiting Sunderland's National Glass Centre (NGC) on the banks of the River Wear and the weather is turning spring-like, make sure you include enough time to take in the installations along the nearby riverside footpath. There are some superb works on display, such as this, 'The Red House', just a few metres downstream from the NGC. This large stone sculpture represents the ground floor of a house, left open to the elements. Large blocks of red sandstone are carved into features such a fireplace, a coat hanging behind a door and a table. A rug on the floor has 'WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND' carved around its edges This impressive outdoor sculpture was commissioned by Tyne and Wear Development Corporation as part of its regeneration of St Peter's Riverside, one of fifteen works in the area made by a team headed by Colin Wilbourn. It is a definite 'must see'. #sunderland #savethenationalglasscentre #sculpture #art #landscape #photograph

Love this stretch of winding road that hugs every curve and contour as it heads across the North Pennines in Co Durham, NE England, from Blanchland to Stanhope. At this time of the year, if the temperature drops, it can often quickly become snowbound. As remote as it looks, the area once boasted numerous lead mines and a number of long-abandoned farmsteads nearby bear witness to some of the hardy folk who once managed to make this place their home. #england #pennines #durham #monochrome #landscape #photography

'Site Lines' is an installation in Sunderland's Herrington Country Park, NE England, created by David Paton in 2000. David, Senior Lecturer for MA Fine Art at Falmouth University, is described as an artist-researcher and a craftsperson with a specialism in Cornish granite. The sculpture at Herrington Country Park consists of seven standing stones with steel sighting boxes attached, and attached plaques let you how far away various local sites are, such as Durham Cathedral for example. Meanwhile, the popular outdoor space will soon be gearing up to host to BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026, when thousands of music fans are expected to attend the live music spectacular from across the weekend of 22/24 May. Fingers crossed the event will be blessed with some decent spring-like weather! #england #sunderland #bbc #radio1bigweekend #sunset #sculpture #photography

Not out of the winter weather woods just yet, but I'm feeling all the better for the brighter, drier spells of these last few days (I'm even contemplating giving the lawn its first short, back and side of the year!).
The higher angle of the midday sun is already really noticeable in the way it lights up the landscape, like here at Roker Marina in Sunderland, NE England.
Looking forward to the arrival of March and hopefully a genuine first taste of the season of spring.

#england #sunderland #weather #february #photography

On a Monday afternoon there was a good number of visitors taking the opportunity to visit the National Glass Centre's latest exhibition 'The Graduates' in the main gallery.
The exhibits on show are billed as a celebration of the incredible achievements and successes of the University of Sunderland’s Glass and Ceramics Department over the past three decades.
On this latest visit, I must admit I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sadness that this fantastic cultural jewel in the city's crown, could soon be closed and demolished.
And talking with some of those admiring the work on show, I know I am far from alone in feeling that sadness.

#savethenationalglasscentre #sunderland #culture #photography

The National Glass Centre is free to visit and is open Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm (unfortunately it is closed on Sundays).
Tel: 0191 515 5555
info@nationalglasscentre.com

Felt really good to enjoy another day out and about, staying dry and having some decent light as the sun climbs ever higher in the sky.
Down on Sunderland's River Wear footpath this afternoon, which is also the final stage of the C2C cycle route (if you're doing it from west to east).
The afternoon sunshine warming up one of Ray Lonsdale's sculptures while drawing admiring glances from others passing by.
Based in South Hetton, Co Durham, artist Ray Lonsdale has a number examples of his work gracing the city, usually drawing on the rich historical heritage for inspiration.
This installation is called 'It Says Here' and portrays two shipyard workers having their bait and catching up on all that's happening with a copy of the local newspaper.

#england #sunderland #wearside #sculpture #photography

Finally, the rain stopped, the grey skies turned blue, the sun came out and so did everyone else.
It seemed a lot of people had the same idea and even though it was still on the chilly side, the chance to get out of the house and not get a drenching was too good an opportunity to be wasted.
On Sunderland's seafront in NE England, it was high tide just after midday, so while the beaches were largely covered, the promenade was an ideal place to partake in a perambulation.

#england #sunderland #seaside #outandabout #winter #photography

The nave of the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, otherwise known as Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucester, regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain (I'm assuming they have Durham Cathedral, in my own home neck of the woods, on that list too!). From a photographers point of view, it is an absolute visual gem to capture, both inside and out. I found the visitor guides extremely welcoming and friendly, positively encouraging the taking of photographs – it is also dog-friendly too! The 'Chronicle of Tewkesbury' records that the first Christian worship was brought to the area by a missionary from Northumbria called Theoc. He built a cell in the mid-7th century near where the Severn and Avon rivers join. #england #gloucestershire #cathedral #norman #historic #photography

I can't help but think, when I was composing this image, that it looked like a modern interpretation of Dante's 'Descent Into Hell'!
It is in fact part of the London Underground Jubilee Line Extension at Westminster, constructed after the buildings around the station were demolished and the sub-surface station was completely reconstructed as Portcullis House, which sits above the station, was being built.
This deep-level station involved the excavation of a 39-metre (128 ft) deep void around and beneath the sub-surface station to house the escalators to the Jubilee line platforms.
The void you see here was the deepest ever excavation in central London and was carried out between thick reinforced concrete walls, reinforced and braced horizontally for stability.

#england #underground #dystopian #architecture #construction #photography

A close-up of the rather scary face of Durham Cathedral's Sanctuary Knocker, although now officially referred to as a 'Sanctuary Ring'.
It seems that there was never any evidence of a striking plate, so it was never a used as a door knocker.
Those seeking sanctuary only needed to grasp the ring, hanging below the face, to gain access to the safety of the cathedral.
Not worth trying your luck today as the laws permitting such church sanctuary were overturned long ago, by parliament, in 1623.

#england #durham #cathedral #sanctuary #historic

How time flies!
Exactly three years ago since I took this photograph as the demolition contractors were moving in on the former debating chamber of Sunderland City Council's Civic Centre in NE England.
The brutalist architecture did have some admirers, but generally speaking, there was no great outpouring of sadness when the concrete was crushed.
The site has since been completely cleared with a brand new housing development nearing completion.
I feel optimistic that creating city-centre living spaces is one of the ways forward to higher footfall, vibrancy and further investment.

#england #sunderland #brutalism #demolition #architecture

Not just more of this prolonged spell of cold, grey and wet weather, here in NE England we've got strong winds thrown into the mix for good measure. Must admit to spending some time today looking at images of kinder climes and one in particular that I thought conveyed the very essence of a quintessential English summer's day. Took this photograph of the River Eye as it flows through the extremely pretty Gloucestershire Cotswolds village of Lower Slaughter. #england #gloucestershire #cotswolds #summer

The latest exhibition at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland is being billed as taking place "after 28 wonderfully creative years" and the display being looked upon as the National Glass Centre taking "its final bow" – that's so, so sad.

Looking back, one of my favourite exhibitions at the National Glass Centre featured this stunning installation by one of Britain's leading ceramic artists, Magdalene Odundo.
Here, Magdalene had moved away from ceramics and created a mesmerising glass work called 'Transition II'.
More than 1,000 glass orbs were hung from the ceiling creating a three-dimensional wave.
Not surprising that it took a whole month to painstakingly install the glass orbs but the overall effect of the finished work was quite breath-taking.

#savethenationalglasscentre #sunderland #culture #glass

Photographed these old pan-tiled farm out-buildings at Horden Hall, a small Grade II listed former manor house, near Easington, Co Durham.
Not sure whether they are contemporary with the hall itself, which is in infinitely better condition and still a lived-in residence.
Horden Hall dates from the middle of the 17th century, but possibly incorporates some earlier medieval masonry.
It was probably built for Sir John Conyers (1587-1664) who seemed to have led a fulsome life in military service.
Shortly after the Stuart Restoration in 1660, Conyers began service as a deputy lieutenant for the County of Durham and it would this period when he was living at Horden Hall.
I am led to believe that since I took this photograph, these out-buildings are no longer standing.

#england #durham #abandoned

There's a UK TV comedy called 'Not Going Out', the title of which sums up how I feel just now. A little respite yesterday as the door to February was opened – a few morsels of blue sky and sunshine. Now it's 'as you were' with the grey skies and rain back again. So, avoiding the not-so-great grey outdoors, I thought I would inject some vibrant colour in a re-working of a photograph that had its origins in a shot I took at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts in Gateshead, NE England. At the time, some of the Baltic Centre's windows had been covered with coloured acetate film and although they were not the reason I was there, the strong colours were quite eye-catching. The additional inclusion of the 'floating baubles' were my invention during post-processing!

That's January over and out, a month which many say seems to go on for ever. It will be interesting to see the total hours of sunlight recorded because it feels as though the weather for the start of 2026 can be summed up in one word – 'gloomy'. It started off it snowy fashion just days into the New Year, but by and large I am looking back on a month that has been gray, cold and wet. Now February is here and as someone explained to me a few days ago, the beginning of this month is marked by the ancient Celtic festival of 'Imbolc', which is associated with the goddess Brigid. 'Imbolc' marks the slow awakening of Mother Nature from the deepest depths of winter. #england #february #imbolc #nature #countryside #celtic #festival

I think that Wolf Cleugh Farm, near Rookhope in Weardale, Co Durham, was abandoned in the 1960's (the fireplace looks late 1940's/early 1950's). Even in its now in a very ruinous state, there is a haunting connection to those who once lived within these walls. The former farmstead is also tied in with the area's lead mining past. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the property was occupied by the Roddam families, with George Roddam living here with his wife Annie, working as a shepherd and his sons working in the nearby lead mines. The Roddam's would later move further down the valley to Daddry Shield and I have not as yet been able to find out who last occupied the property. It certainly looks like quite a while since the last time a fire was lit and someone was cosily tucked up in bed in this room! #england #durham #pennines #abandonded #history #photography

When wondering how best to describe the settlement of Thwaite in North Yorkshire, I went for 'hamlet', but then discovered it is described by some as a 'village'. So that got me thinking, what is the difference? One helpful definition I came across describes a 'hamlet' as a tiny, rural settlement without a church or central services, typically smaller than a village which is likely to have a church, school and maybe shops. A hamlet is more likely to be little more than a cluster of dwellings, but a 'village' will generally be more developed. I think that puts Thwaite in the 'hamlet' category. Situated near Muker in Swaledale, alongside Thwaite Beck, it was, from 1974, part of the district of Richmondshire, but since 2023 falls under the unitary North Yorkshire Council. Popular with walkers, two long-distant paths run through it, the Pennine Way and Wainwright's Coast to Coast. #england #yorkshire #swaledale #pennines #pennineway #landscape #photography

After a day of strong winds and driving rain, it was all calm today in the wake of Storm Chandra, the UK's third named storm of the year. It was still a bit misty and murky along Sunderland's seafront in NE England, but infinitely better than what was being thrown our way 24 hours ago. These dog-walkers were pictured heading along the Seaburn/Roker promenade towards the Cat & Dog Steps beach at lunchtime today. #england #sunderland #coast #people #monochrome #photography

Nine years ago and in the early hours of the morning, after waiting for a favourable weather window coinciding the right tidal conditions, the barge 'Louis' is towed up the River Wear in Sunderland, NE England.
Strapped to its deck is an important part of a major construction project that is being talked about as being a catalyst for the future prosperity of the city.
The barge had just crossed the North Sea from Ghent in Belgium, transporting the central pylon for the 'New Wear Crossing' as it was known then (the name 'Northern Spire' would be announced later as the construction neared completion).
I only learned it was going ahead on the evening before, so few people had the opportunity to witness this historic moment.
This was one of a number of photographs that I took as the barge made slow and steady progress upstream.

#england #sunderland #northernspire #savethenationalglasscentre #construction #photography

St Cuthbert's Cave, a spectacular south-facing location on the Kyloe Hills in Northumberland, between Belford and Lowick, is a place steeped in legend.
In the late 9th century, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, records that as the Danes ravaged Lindisfarne, Eardulf, the bishop of Lindisfarne, along with abbot Eadred and the rest of the early Christian community were forced to flee the island, taking the body of their beloved Cuthbert to seek a place of safety and sanctuary.
This natural sandstone cave has long been associated with a legend as being a place, a few miles in from the coast, where they rested and took shelter.
However, another legend suggest it was a place where Cuthbert himself lived as an anchorite hermit, before moving to the Farne Islands – maybe it was both!
The cave, formed of overhanging rock and sufficiently large to provide shelter for a small group, are in the care of the National Trust.

#england #northumberland #nationaltrust #countryside #photography