Whitstable, England, UK

In the United States, life-saving stations are historical curiosities, but in Britain they are still depended upon to rescue mariners in distress. The Whitstable Lifeboat Station was founded not that long ago, in 1963. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution currently oversees 444 lifeboats around the UK. [2003]

Leiston, England, UK

Here on the grounds of Leiston Abbey is a prototypical English barn, identified by it gable roof and its doors on the long side of the structure. In this case, the roof is thatched. The English barn became one of the pioneering barn types of British North America. [1984]

Manchester, England, UK

The blue bovine, obviously a social climber who loves to be seen, was a new addition to the landscape in 2004. Other cities followed suit. The question is: Does he attract patrons to the Manchester Jazz Festival or distract (even block) any attention you might pay to the banners. [2004]

Portsmouth, England, UK

Does America have the will to learn from the rest of the world? Every restaurant and coffee shop needs a few tables outside. If the sidewalks are not wide enough, take a few feet from the motorways! In fact, take another foot so there is space for bike racks. But, you know Americans: They are hot-house tomatoes. [2011]

Portsmouth, England,UK

Portsmouth's Southsea Castle is now a tourist attraction. Fortunately, the fortification has a lieutenant in charge of marketing: a lighthouse (dressed like a jailbird). These are two landscape features that most people will go out of their way to visit: castles and lighthouses. What will you go out of your way to visit? [2011]

Liverpool, England, UK

World globes are an appropriate motif for Geography Awareness Week and for port cities like Liverpool. Here, dockside, golden yellow continents remind everyone of the prosperity promised by world trade. As for black oceans: maybe symbolic of Liverpool itself. The name refers to a pool of dark water. [2011]

London, England, UK

Odds and Evens, Ones and Twos, Singles and Doubles, Which one be You? Here is one loving duo, a dog and his mistress. He is definitely a cocker, but is he an American cocker or an English cocker? The setting will tell you. The setting: A street in London's Soho. [2009]

London, England, UK

 

Today, if you are walking along Tottenham Court Road, don't expect to enjoy a pint at the Jack Horner. London is currently under a Very High Covid Alert. In numbers, the city's pubs have held their own over the past decade, but one wonders how many will now be out of business permanently because of the pandemic. [2009]

London, England, UK

They sit on a Japanese throne in the middle of a globalized European city. Where do you think they are from? Clues: (1) physiognomy, (2) social class, (3) regional context. European communism collapsed about a decade before this photo was taken. [2003]

London, England, UK

People of London: Some come on foot, some on bikes. All come for fresh breads and pastries, and take a stab at making the earth (in this case North London) a little greener. Everything on sale is totally organic. [2009]

London, England, UK

People of London: Because it is a first-order world city (like New York), London attracts residents from all over the world. With them, immigrants bring cultural traditions that expand the palette (or palate) of choice for everyone in the city, in this case for everyone in Spitalfields. Do you recognize the fruit and the pan-African colors? [2003]

London, England, UK

People of London: Stanfords remains in Covent Gardens but it has closed its flagship store on Long Acre. Still, it remains the world's largest map and travel book retailer. "Explore Discover Inspire": That's what it says over the entry portal, but it looks like these two are already inspired even though they haven't yet gone in. [2009]

Portsmouth, England, UK

Add some masks and remove a table or two: We have a perfect place for social gathering in the time of coronavirus. Meet your companions (literally "coming together, com, over bread, pan") outside. Why can't cafes and restaurants in the U.S. adapt? Sidewalks and parking lots await the takeover. [2011]

Manchester, England, UK

One-hundred and fifty cows paraded into Manchester in 2004. In fact, they populated other city streets around the world as well. Their main tasks were to entertain visitors and make the locals feel proud. Place-promoters they were, always calling attention to their home city: "Mr. Rolls and Mr. Royce held their initial meeting in Manchester in 1904." [2004]

London, England, UK

Before The Shard, there was The Gherkin. Skyscrapers never matched the cultural landscape of London very well, but in the early 21st century, London finally got the memo that signature high rises were de rigeur for real global cities. The first one of any note was The Gherkin, located in the City of London.  [2009]

Hampstead Village, London, England, UK

Landscape sprites thrive on roof lines like this. Are the crooked chimneys supposed to keep them from getting into the house? If so, beware! They might even keep that Christmas sprite from delivering presents. [2005]

Bath, England, UK

Face masks are on everyone's mind.
That's 'cause they are hard to find.
So, to those with fingers nimble,
to those armed with thread and thimble,
go forth and find some fabric simple,
fabric enough to cover each dimple,
mouth, nose, and pimple.
But, why must masks be so plain?
Floral prints would be much less mundane!
[2015]

Portsmouth, England, UK

Big boat, small boat,
Building and cloud.
But where are the sails?
Make that tall ship proud!
[2011]

London, England, UK

Follow the dragon trail right across Europe. It begins in Colchis, land of the Golden Fleece. It wings its way thorough Slovenia, whose capital was founded by Jason. It ends in England with two dragons holding up the cross of St. George, which goes right back to the country we know today as Georgia. This is the official emblem of the City of London. [2009]

Portsmouth, England, UK

What is repurposing? Giving something a new purpose or use. Who would have guessed that bicycles could be re-purposed to sell wine? Who would have guessed that silos could be repurposed to provide homes. (Be sure to click on 'silos.') [2011]