Tag: leeds

A bath, a clock and a giant walking robot – it’s Heritage Open Days this weekend

It's Heritage Open Days from 9-12 September, a once-a-year chance of free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or charge for admission. Buildings all over England will be open, except in London where you have to wait a week for Open House on 18-19 September. Like every year I'm spoiled for choice with … Continue reading A bath, a clock and a giant walking robot – it’s Heritage Open Days this weekend →

You wouldn’t burn a book, or some reflections on narrative capital

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I moved offices in Leeds earlier this year from Holbeck Urban Village to Clarence Dock. The stark contrast between the two areas has set me thinking about a city's built environment and how it can make a difference to people's lives. First some context for those who don't know … Continue reading You wouldn’t burn a book, or some reflections on narrative capital →

Announcing the first Service Design Drinks in Leeds

Businesses and organisations the world over are seizing the chance to re-imagine the way we do everyday things, to make them more accessible, enjoyable and productive for everyone. The tools and techniques they're using vary widely, but some of the best fall under the umbrella of service design, and its flashier cousin design thinking. This growing … Continue reading Announcing the first Service Design Drinks in Leeds →

There now follows a Public Service Announcement from the Department of Giant Walking Robots

Last September I posted about the amazing preserved walking dragline excavator at St Aidan's, near Leeds, which I discovered through the Heritage Open Days scheme. If you missed that opening, there's another chance to explore it this weekend, from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 17 April 2010. More details on the website of the Friends of … Continue reading There now follows a Public Service Announcement from the Department of Giant Walking Robots →

Video: How to get ahead in business the Boulton and Watt way

Thanks to Bettakultcha and Media Squared, here's a video of my Murray, Boulton and Watt presentation at the amazing Temple Works, Holbeck. It's a tale of green sand and subterfuge, of how one of the biggest names of the industrial revolution tried to stop a competitor in his tracks... ... also the slides are on Slideshare … Continue reading Video: How to get ahead in business the Boulton and Watt way →

How to get ahead in business the Boulton and Watt way

Dirty tricks among high-tech businesses? I recently came across the original Machiavellian play book for start-ups, and it's more than 200 years old. Two of my 1794 heroes were the steam pioneer James Watt and Holbeck engineer Matthew Murray. Both made engines for the textile mills of northern England - in effect the processing power to … Continue reading How to get ahead in business the Boulton and Watt way →

Steven Johnson presents “The Invention of Air” in Leeds on 3 November

If you saw my talks earlier this year at Leeds' GeekUp or Barcamp, you may recall I recommended reading Steven Johnson's "The Invention of Air" which tells the tale of pioneering scientist, theologian and political radical Joseph Priestley. "The Invention of Air" reveals, more than I'd previously appreciated, just how important were Priestley's experiments during his time … Continue reading Steven Johnson presents “The Invention of Air” in Leeds on 3 November →

Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me There Was A Giant Walking Robot?

A few weeks ago Imran Ali tweeted a modest proposal that  Leeds' Temple Works needs a giant robot. As a fan of Miyazaki's Laputa, I thought this sounded quite cool. What I didn't realise until today is that Leeds already has a giant walking robot. If you're in the area for one of its rare … Continue reading Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me There Was A Giant Walking Robot? →

Temple Works 3.0 Alpha

In December I blogged about the perilous state of Leeds' Temple Works. Neglected for several years, this Grade I-listed building had suffered a partial collapse, blocking the road outside with shattered masonry and opening up a gaping hole in the roof where sheep once grazed on a covering of grass. Six months on, I'm pleased to report … Continue reading Temple Works 3.0 Alpha →

The history of Leeds: What every geek should know

It was a privilege to present at this week's GeekUp Leeds on a topic close to my heart, the amazing industrial heritage of Leeds and why it should be an inspiration to those working in the technology sectors today. Thanks to Deb and Rob for organising another great event, and to the GeekUp participants for putting … Continue reading The history of Leeds: What every geek should know →