These Polaroids demonstrate very well just how freakishly hot and sunny it was during our trip to the rain capital of the world aka The Lake District.
This is the Ullwater Steamer, which easn’t actually a steamer but a 100-year-old motor yacht – all the same, it was a very pleasant way to spend the afternoon – I got a little sun-burnt!
They aren’t brilliant photos – it became really hazy in the heat. I guess that’s bound to happen with so much moisture about.
All taken with my Polaroid SX-70 and 600 film with ND filter
There was a little shop in Hawkeshead, Cumbria and these boys were set outside. They’re brand new; made in China.
At school we were encouraged to call them golli-dollies (this was after the ritual burning of Enid Blyton and her Noddy books featuring golliwogs. Maybe it was just the books – I was young and impressionable).
Personally, I think if you have an old doll that you have had for years then that’s one thing, but it’s the 21st century now and there are so many clever and exciting toy and doll creators out there, so why hark back to something that might upset your customers? That’s not very kind or nice and I am sure we can come up with something better. Or am I being too sensitive?
[Photo taken with Polaroid SX-70 and 600 edgecut film + ND filter]
I took quite a few Polaroids whilst I was in the Lake District – it was only a little over a week ago but it almost seems like a dream now. I still have rolls of film waiting to be developed (I’ve been sick and housebound) so I’m pleased I have these to tide me over (plus the lovely digital ones, of course).
This first one is of a fast-moving stream – we stopped and drank water from it in our cupped hands. I’ve never done that before (such a city girl) it tasted amazing!
I love how the muted and painterly colours of Polaroid 600 film has captured the essence of the mountainous, watery landscape so well.
It occurred to me I’m not used to composing images where I have to look upwards – I’m more used to the flat horizon of the sea.
It was eerie too to think those lakes went as deep as their neighbouring hills went high – the water was inky blue/black and shone like a mirror most of the time, creating wonderful light. Still and very mysterious.
All taken with my Polaroid SX-70 using 600 film and ND filter
One of the places we visited in the Lake District was Grasmere, and I feel I need to dedicate a whole post to the delicacy that is Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread.
Oh. My. God. It is amazing – I’m not normally into things that are gingery tasting but everyone was having some so I tried some and… it blew me away; the taste haunted me for days.
Polaroid SX70 and 600 film (with ND filter)
It’s too cakey to be a biscuit but too biscuity to be a cake, it has a crumbly top and a dense and slightly chewy middle. There’s tones of ginger there (obviously) and all sorts of other flavours – I think possibly rum, maybe honey, black pepper even. I’ll never know for sure though as the recipe is a huge secret – I did find this recipe by Jamie Oliver though that I might try… either that or I have a long trip to get some more!
[Stop the presses! They deliver! Where's my credit card?]
PS – Here’s another sheepington. I miss their woolly bottoms.
Polaroid SX70 and 600 film (with ND filter)
I’ve been to the seaside this afternoon! Proper seaside with sand and surf and a pier, and everything – Bournemouth to be exact.
Polaroid SX70 – my last shot with some very damaged Artistic TimeZero film
I was even brave enough to ask these two lifeguards to pose for a photo (top tip – this is a million times easier when you’re using a vintage Polaroid camera)…
Polaroid SX70 + 600 film with ND filter
