You'll not be surprised to read that dropping off my son at Edinburgh University to start his architecture degree—of which I am very proud—was accompanied by a visit to the Forth Bridge.
What an incredible experience.
As most of you know, my artwork is inspired by the awe I feel when confronted with engineering triumphs and their raw, unapologetic scale.
These structures aren't necessarily designed to be beautiful in the conventional sense. They can't be compared to the Grand Palais or the Taj Mahal, for example. For some, they will continue to be seen as blots on the landscape. However, for many, there is a collective reverence for such engineering and architectural giants, partly due to their historical significance and pioneering spirit, but also because of the aesthetic rhythm and complexity of their visual language.
The playful interlacing of the large steel pipework varies in width from its giant recumbent foundations to its smaller interior limbs spanning the bridge. Harmony is found in every aspect, from the gentle curves to the geometric symmetry.
My longing to draw the bridge was hindered by a lack of time, but I am determined to return for a more thorough exploration.
Each Forth Bridge was designed and built in different centuries, and with them come distinctive characteristics that reflect both the engineering achievements and available materials of their time. The Forth Road Bridge, firmly within the realm of suspension bridges, shows signs of the 'Golden Gate era' with its twin towers and drooping suspension cables. The Queensferry Crossing, finished in 2017,
however, is a true pioneer of modern engineering. What it may lack in structural complexity, it makes up for in style, grace, and sleek minimal design.
This blog post, however, serves as a reminder of the lessons and legacy we've learned from our Victorian forefathers and the 73 men, the Briggers, who lost their lives during its construction.
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Stuart
@stuartjarvis_art
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