Thames Barge 'British Empire'

Not sure what category to squeeze this into. Anyway here is the

Thames barge 'British Empire' quietly decaying in a remote backwater

in Essex UK. All comments welcome!

...and here is a b&w version for comparison

I like the colour version because of the colour of the rust, if I see correctly. On the other hand, I do like the black and white very much as well and gives you a sense of a time past.

 

For some reason, this reminds me of abandoned Imperial statues in various parks (and other relics in general) throughout the old empire. I remember one park in particular in Cubbon Park in Bangalore. Many I think were off in one corner. Although there is a statue of Queen V at the entrance coming from Mahatma Gandhi Road. It's interesting the area around the V.'s statue looks relative unmaintained, in comparison to the Gandhi statue across the street replete with flower gardens all around. I guess we know where the money is flowing to on that one.

 

 

Me too, I prefer the colour version, for the beautiful colours. I feel though that the cropping is too tight. I would like to see more of the environment, or else, not at all. Nice lines. I have no idea of the category either; maybe, "travel" or "historical geography"?

Thanks Amar, I was reminded of the decay of imperial ambitions too. I guess it would not be difficult to choose between Queen Vic and Mahatma Ghandi in those circumstances!

Manolis, thamks! I had a problem with the cropping and decided to go closer to cut out the background as much as possible. Maybe too close?

Colin, the irony is so great, that for me it made it.I think that it is beyond rating... it is one of those images that the message is very accurate and is not compatible to the usual evaluation of an image. I like better the colored version as details are more accentuated than in the B/W version.It needed a bit more " breating space" on the upper part but I understand that you wanted to prevent distractions from what was importent. I like it a lot!

 

 

I think I prefer the full frame. The background and the foreground interacts with, and emphasises the subject

That is certainly loveable,The history what is behind,the surviving print.Wonderful colors and details.It has Your originality.I like best,how You show it first

Nice find, well seen ! My vote for the color version, original crop. In color, the nameplate looks so nicely rotten, better than in B&W. And yes, the rusty color palette is very effective. To show just a hint of the surrounding is enough, IMO. Would make a nice election poster for the opposition...

 

Cheers

Carsten

I like the color version and the original crop: The eyes go straight to -the British Empire. I find this shot so ironic; more background would be distracting.

Yes, I agree that less background is aesthetically nicer, but here we have an image of symbolical significance and, I think, the message would be even stronger if you showed that not only the boat is rotten but so is the rest of the place.

I like the color version and the original image, my what stories could be told here if ships could talk. Great find.

I too prefer the colour & cropped version. Boat "British Empire" here actually decayed with charm & dignity.

Nice metaphor here Colin, the British Empire is indeed at the end of it's journey, if it were a true reflection upon history I fear there would only be the spine left, and there would be no stands propping the boat up. I like the turned rudder , perhaps indicating a last ditch attempt at averting disaster.

Interesting image. Nice crop and composition. Regards, Baldur

Interesting composition Colin.The Empire sure isn't what it used to be :-) I do prefer the original post and the well chosen crop as the surroundings are rather cluttered for my taste.

Thanks folks - I think everyone got the none-too-subtle irony!

My first feeling was I'd like to see a bit more of the top, but having seen the uncropped version, I understand why you decided to leave it out. But even with this crop, I find the left part on top of the boat a little crowded and distracting. Maybe you could consider a little tighter crop?

 

For the idea of 'decay', I think the coloured version conveys it better, with the rusty colour, the paint that's peeling off, the mossy green and the different tones on the side of the boat and the rudder. The b&w version is also wonderful, but for me conveys a different feeling, more liked faded glory (though that might also be appropriate here? ;o).

(sigh...) I really like the B&W version. Not that I *don't* like the color version. It's just that the color doesn't make a difference to the image, so it's not necessary. The B&W helps focus the eye on the important elements of the composition. It's interesting ... having the "British Empire" on the back of a decaying, out-of-date ship. Not that I find it symbolic ... just the opposite. You would have thought someone would name their vessel that way not thinking that the ship would ever be anything but glorious. I really like this!

in this case, Colin, I definitely prefer the colour version since it gives a better sense of decay. Also, your choice to go tighter with the frame is a good one.

Definitely, a sad imperial story well narrated with your camera.