Abstract innovation

In the spirit of Chris Heathcote's excellent abstract pointillist powerpoint toolkit, I spent a couple of happy hours putting together 20 slides about Leeds, its industrial heritage and why I find it so inspiring. I was too late to submit to this week's Ignite UK North event (but thanks, Imran, for the kind tweet in any case), … Continue reading Abstract innovation →

Reflections on Reading of Mr Joseph Priestley and M Antoine Lavoisier While Travelling by Air Plane Between Leeds and Paris

Steven Johnson's The Invention of Air sparks a delightful reverie on the pivotal role of 18th Century scientist, non-conformist minister and poltical thinker Joseph Priestley. Living in Leeds, I was vaguely aware of Priestley from local museums and the blue plaque at Mill Hill Unitarian Church on City Square. What schoolchild could fail to be … Continue reading Reflections on Reading of Mr Joseph Priestley and M Antoine Lavoisier While Travelling by Air Plane Between Leeds and Paris →

Help, our industrial heritage is falling down!

Temple Works is a one-off. Its construction as a flax mill in 1840 must have made a powerful statement about Leeds' status as global pioneer of industry. At the time it was said to be the "largest single room in the world," with innovative air conditioning under the floor and sheep grazing on a grass-covered … Continue reading Help, our industrial heritage is falling down! →

Leeds’ friendliest newsagent

https://flic.kr/p/Vnvn or to put it another way... THE ONLY REASON MY MISERABLE OVER-PRICED SHOP IS STILL IN BUSINESS AT ALL IS BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT NEXT TO A BUS STOP. WHY ELSE DO YOU THINK I CAN GET AWAY WITH CHARGING 50P FOR A BAG OF CRISPS? I COMPLETELY FAIL TO SEE THE IRONY OF THIS … Continue reading Leeds’ friendliest newsagent →