Alpha Zero 1 to River Dreamscapes – GE Saunt

We are lucky enough to have four of Gary Saunt's paintings on our walls at home. We never tire of looking at them and find something new and mischievous every time. Everyone who comes round asks about them and wants to know more. Gary is a prolific painter and visual entertainer, having produced hundreds of paintings … Continue reading Alpha Zero 1 to River Dreamscapes – GE Saunt

Memories of the River Hull

Thank you to everyone who has responded to our call out and joined our memory sharing sessions at Hull Maritime Museum, or on board the barges. All summer we have been listening to people's fascinating stories of living and working on the River Hull over the years. We have been filming and recording so that … Continue reading Memories of the River Hull

Short Films of Barge Life Memories

Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories: Compilation of new short films of Glyn Holt, Karen Walker and Linda Bragg (both nee Hubbard), Tom Fry, Keith Eastwood, Trevor Branton, Victor Shirtliff, Geoffrey Shipman and Ken Knox in conversation with Russ Litten about life working and living on the River Hull. Click on the video to … Continue reading Short Films of Barge Life Memories

Allan Lister – Leaks on Board

More fascinating tales from the River Full Of Stories sessions chatting about days gone by working and living on the River Hull. Here’s a great snippet from our day on MV Syntan earlier this month, Allan Lister in conversation with Andy Richardson. Filmed in September 2018 by Humber Film Creative Community for Open Bridges Hull. The … Continue reading Allan Lister – Leaks on Board

“Barges!”

The Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories memory sharing days on the river and at Hull Maritime Museum have been full of fascinating conversations about days gone by working and living on the River Hull. We have learned about evocative, moving and entertaining memories from tales of using highly skilled local knowledge to navigate … Continue reading “Barges!”

John Whittles on the MV Syntan

The Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories memory sharing days on the river and at Hull Maritime Museum have been terrific, with fascinating conversations about days gone by working and living on the River Hull. Here’s a clip from our visit to the MV Syntan restored barge earlier this month, John Whittles in conversation … Continue reading John Whittles on the MV Syntan

Raft Boy Escapes Killer Tide

More short films from A River Full Of Stories fascinating conversations about days gone by working and living on the River Hull. Here’s Neville 'Killer'' Pinder in conversation with Russ Litten at Hull Maritime Museum talking about when he made the Hull Daily Mail in 1958 Filmed in September 2018 by Humber Film Creative Community … Continue reading Raft Boy Escapes Killer Tide

HMS Southampton Reform Ship

Who knew about the reform ship for boys committed by magistrates anchored off Sammy's Point? Hear about the HMS Southampton which opened as a reform school in the mid 19th century in this short film from the Hull Maritime Museum reminiscing days earlier this month, Edward Moore and Ann Smith in conversation with Russ Litten. … Continue reading HMS Southampton Reform Ship

River Stories – John Dean

It was great to welcome John Dean of Dean's Marine to The Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories memory sharing days on the river and at Hull Maritime Museum. There were fascinating conversations all day.  Here's a short section of film from earlier this month, John in conversation with Andy Richardson. Filmed in September … Continue reading River Stories – John Dean

Open Bridges exhibition at Hull International Photography Festival

The Open Bridges: Engines and Insects exhibition is now open at Hull Intentional Photography Festival - HIP Fest - in Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Hull. It's on the main entrance corridor until October 28th, free entry to the Open Bridges element of the festival. The Engines and Insects exhibition is part of Open Bridges, a growing series of … Continue reading Open Bridges exhibition at Hull International Photography Festival

Remarkable Collection of River Hull Photographs

Last week we were delighted to collect an amazing big file of historical photographs of the River Hull for Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories.  Thanks to Angus Young of the Hull Daily Mail who has contributed the Mail's archive of River Hull photos to the project. The pictures range from the turn of … Continue reading Remarkable Collection of River Hull Photographs

“It’s in the blood”

Family Life on the Barges It was especially fascinating to hear about the women's and children's stories of life on the River Hull. Janet's family - the Websters - have been connected to the River Hull for over 250 years.  One of ten children, the oldest four were all brought up on a barge before they … Continue reading “It’s in the blood”

The life of a Lighterman

The Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories memory sharing days on the river and at Hull Maritime Museum have been terrific, with fascinating conversations about days gone by working and living on the River Hull. Here's former lighterman Keith Eastwood in conversation with Russ Litten. Filmed in September 2018 by Humber Film Creative Community … Continue reading The life of a Lighterman

Rugby on Board

The Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories memory sharing days on the river and at Hull Maritime Museum have been amazing, with fascinating conversations about days gone by working and living on the River Hull. We have learned about evocative, moving and entertaining memories from tales of using highly skilled local knowledge to navigate … Continue reading Rugby on Board

Open Bridges, the next chapter

Thank you to everyone who came to join us for the Open Bridges first anniversary evening and launch of A River Full Of Stories last night. Rich & I spent the afternoon hanging the first installment of the new A River Full Of Stories exhibition with the original Open Bridges exhibition in the theatre at … Continue reading Open Bridges, the next chapter

Open Bridges Radio Transcript

Open Bridges objectives were to celebrate the River Hull and explore the meaning of freedom by splitting the city in two, momentarily denying the freedom of movement east and west across the city, by raising and closing all 13 bridges over the River Hull simultaneously for the first and only time in the city’s history. … Continue reading Open Bridges Radio Transcript

Open Bridges First Anniversary

Stop Press: Open Bridges made history when for the first, and only time, all 13 of the bridges over the River Hull raised, swung or closed simultaneously splitting the city of Hull in two at 20:17 hours on the autumn equinox, 22nd September 2017. Open Bridges Hull: “A truly memorable evening when we all worked together … Continue reading Open Bridges First Anniversary

Days of Innocence by Dave Tuck

In the last few days I have revisited where I grew up. This was the Welwyn Park Avenue area in North Hull. As a child we had the tenfoots, fields, woods and river as our playgrounds. We also had Haworth Hall as a backdrop. It was truly days of innocence. I was born in 1944 … Continue reading Days of Innocence by Dave Tuck

Reminiscing on the Syntan

‘Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories’, gathering stories to preserve the heritage of the River Hull, its bridges and the people and vessels which have used it over the years. With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, we will produce a film, exhibition, website and a book which will be given to each library … Continue reading Reminiscing on the Syntan

The Puzzle of Cargills

Very pleased to see Richard's photograph of Cargill's taken from the MV Syntan for Open Bridges Hull in the Observer photography section chosen for last weekend's 'Complex' theme. The photograph is from the Open Bridges “Engines and Insects” art photography part of the exhibition. The images follow the photographer Horst P Horst who first published the technique … Continue reading The Puzzle of Cargills

River Full Of Stories on Estuary TV

‘Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories’, gathering stories to preserve the heritage of the River Hull, its bridges and the people and vessels which have used it over the years. Find out more on the Estuary TV news clip here: So where does the river start? Click here to see what we found Do … Continue reading River Full Of Stories on Estuary TV

Open Bridges Film at Hull Folk Festival

You can see the award winning Open Bridges film on board the Motor Barge Syntan during Hull Folk and Maritime Festival, on 28th and 29th July 2018. The historic and beautifully restored Syntan will be moored in Hull Marina for the festival. There is folk music galore all weekend at the festival, head along to … Continue reading Open Bridges Film at Hull Folk Festival

Open Bridges Summer Solstice ‘Moments in Time’ Live Performance

There will be a live quadraphonic performance of the Open Bridges music – ‘Moments in Time’ - by the composer John Stead to accompany the Open Bridges film at Beverley Treasure House and Art Gallery, East Riding of Yorkshire, on Thursday, 21 June, at 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm start. The event will be finished by … Continue reading Open Bridges Summer Solstice ‘Moments in Time’ Live Performance

Souvenir of the Opening of North Bridge in 1931

We opened the Open Bridges exhibition inside Scale Lane Bridge for a group from the Carnegie Heritage Centre and had a lovely morning, thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone there. Thanks to Stephen Ingram for this fascinating souvenir of the opening of North Bridge in 1931. If you click on each image  you should be able to … Continue reading Souvenir of the Opening of North Bridge in 1931

Thanks Everyone!

The Open Bridges exhibition had its last day inside Scale Lane Bridge before we finalise its next home. We've been open every Saturday in January and February and welcomed 2000 visitors.Thanks to James Hoggarth and Sally Fairfax for inviting us to BBC Radio Humberside this morning to talk about the project and exhibition. Lots of … Continue reading Thanks Everyone!

Unravelling Banksy

Cool to see this post in Graffiti Street, international urban art website, unravelling the Banksy artwork in Hull. Click to read the feature: The Open Bridges public exhibition opened inside Scale Lane Bridge and welcomed 2000 visitors on Saturdays early in 2018. As the Open Bridges exhibition was coming to a close a new street … Continue reading Unravelling Banksy

Bridge Exhibition Notes #1

We’ve had many visitors to the Open Bridges exhibition at Scale Lane Bridge and many fascinating conversations with local people who’ve worked the river for years as well as  visitors from out of town. One of the recurring themes is the importance and the beauty of the river Hull from different perspectives such as "it’s … Continue reading Bridge Exhibition Notes #1

A Ghostly View

Open Bridges Hull - excerpts of Moments in Time, the world premiere of the live musique concrete diffusion for Open Bridges by John Stead. Autumn equinox 2017 A ghostly view of the world premiere of the new acousmatic composition for Open Bridges. Electro Acoustic Ensemble director, John diffused the live music featuring found sounds of … Continue reading A Ghostly View

Open Bridges Exhibition Extended to Saturdays in February

Due to popular demand the Open Bridges exhibition at Scale Lane Bridge is extended to Saturdays during February (3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th) 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Free entry. All welcome, come and have a look round. The exhibition covers all elements of Open Bridges and art photography exhibition of Open Bridges images inspired by Horst … Continue reading Open Bridges Exhibition Extended to Saturdays in February

Radio Transcript

We're half way through the Open Bridges exhibition Saturdays inside Hull's Scale Lane Bridge, and it's been another great day with a continual flow of visitors and some fascinating conversations. The panel depicting the transcript of the conversations from ship to shore, bridge operators and event control on the night as the city was split … Continue reading Radio Transcript

All Welcome to the Exhibition

Open Bridges First Saturday Exhibition  Great first Saturday of the Open Bridges exhibition inside Scale Lane Bridge today. We had a continual flow of people looking round all day, many of whom said they came along because they heard us on BBC Radio Humberside this morning, so thanks to James Hoggarth and Sally Fairfax for … Continue reading All Welcome to the Exhibition

Open Bridges Film and Exhibition Launch

We are delighted with the launch of the Open Bridges film and exhibition yesterday, thanks to the whole team! It was a packed house at Kardomah94 to see the film and then over to Scale Lane Bridge for the opening for the exhibition. The Open Bridges film is made by Humber Film Creative Community and Octovision … Continue reading Open Bridges Film and Exhibition Launch

Shots from the Night Sky

Open Bridges: For the first time in the city’s history all 13 of Hull’s bridges raised, swung or closed simultaneously splitting the city in two at 20:17 hours on the autumnal equinox 2017 during Hull City of Culture’s Freedom Season. These stunning stills from Octovision Media's drone footage show the  powerful tugs with search lights … Continue reading Shots from the Night Sky

Open Bridges Jigsaw

Operationally the logistics required to make Open Bridges happen presented many challenges. Every challenge was overcome and when the city had separated and reunited,  and the vessels sailed out into the darkness of the Humber, the world premiere of John Stead's new musique concrète work took place before a capacity audience at Hull's Stage at … Continue reading Open Bridges Jigsaw

Spider T Session

"Open Bridges - on the night all the different components came together like the meshing of gears, working as one" Mal Nicholson HMS Pickle Our final Open Bridges workshop session was held aboard the Spider T, Mal Nicholson's wonderful 62ft Humber sloop. Thanks to Mal for the hospitality aboard the Spider. Open Bridges team members Iain Campbell … Continue reading Spider T Session

SMS Towage Scotsman

Thanks to Paul Escreet, Graham Hackney, Vince and Tim of SMS Towage for an eye-opening tour of Alexandra dry dock and a visit to The Scotsman undergoing her 5 yearly scheduled 'MOT'. SMS Towage Scotsman photographs  by Richard Duffy-Howard When we saw the tugs and the brand new SMS Superman at Open Bridges waiting in … Continue reading SMS Towage Scotsman

Open Bridges Adventures

Open Bridges Hull: "A truly memorable evening when we all worked together to overcome the odds and produce something spectacular. Thanks to all that made this possible and to our VIP guests"  HMS Pickle Captain Mal Nicholson There were so many adventures during Open Bridges, and everyone who was part of it had a different … Continue reading Open Bridges Adventures

Moments in Time by John Stead

We were delighted when BAFTA winning composer John Stead accepted our request to compose a new musical work as the culmination of Open Bridges to take place during the freedom season of Hull's City of Culture year. The world premiere of John's piece, Moments in Time was a wonderful, quite surreal experience.  The music, diffused … Continue reading Moments in Time by John Stead

Illustrations by Brett Hambling

It was great to see Brett at Open Bridges. We bumped into each other again at Douglas Dunn's poetry reading at Hull Central Library this week and he gave us a bookful of the illustrations he drew while he was at Open Bridges. If you were there, you may have seen Brett constantly sketching what … Continue reading Illustrations by Brett Hambling

Open Bridges from HMS Pickle

All 13 bridges over the River Hull closed simultaneously for the first and only time in the city’s history – at 20:17 on the autumnal equinox 2017. Stories, observations, reflections, sketches and  film and photographs have been flowing in. Adventures from different perspectives. The Open Bridges exhibition will showcase these to enable everyone to see … Continue reading Open Bridges from HMS Pickle

Open Bridges Copyright Richard Duffy-Howard

Tapestry of Threads

Hull – Friday 22nd September 2017 #OpenBridgesHull Open Bridges is a whole tapestry of threads. It's a celebration of the lifeblood of the city, the River Hull and its 13 movable bridges, more than any other city. Beautiful historic vessels representing three centuries are met by powerful 21st century tugs. It’s an exploration of the … Continue reading Tapestry of Threads

Hull’s 13 Bridges

Click Here to Explore All of Hull's River Bridges Hull is top of the list in that no other city has so many opening bridges over such a short distance of navigable river.  There are thirteen bridges and all of them swing or lift to open to river traffic. All the bridges - road, rail or … Continue reading Hull’s 13 Bridges

Music Premiere Composer’s Notes

Open Bridges Hull: For the first time in Hull’s history the city will be split in two when all Hull’s 13 bridges will be simultaneously raised or barriered, momentarily denying the freedom of movement east or west across the River Hull. On September 22nd Open Bridges will signify the vital role bridges play in our … Continue reading Music Premiere Composer’s Notes