Burnley Research Trip

Just the other day I went on my strangest research trip to date, and boarded a train from Leeds to Burnley to take photos and hopefully some inspiration from my hometown.

I landed at Burnley Manchester Road train station and headed downhill slightly before verging off down to check out the latest developments around the new Technical University Campus, the continued regeneration of the Trafalgar area and the Weaver’s Triangle.

Naturally I was drawn to an example of ambient typography I found, and I was very happy that those in charge of the mill’s renovation had opted to maintain this old plaque, albeit painted in this cool new grey.

From there I found my way down to the canal, which offered some strange perspectives of the back of the old mill buildings. I was struck by the fact that the canal does form a major artery through the town, with all the grand old buildings backing into it.

From there I found my way down to the canal, which offered some strange perspectives of the back of the old mill buildings. I was struck by the fact that the canal does form a major artery through the town, with all the grand old buildings backing into it.

I soon left the canal, wandering down through the city centre, the markets and into my favourite park: Thompson Park. It was strangely beguiling in the winter sun, with it’s lake drained and a relaxing lack of people. I was joined only by the park rangers working away and another guy who sat chain smoking on a bench.

I was happy to see that the miniature railway has now be come a permanent fixture in the park, however naturally it was closed for the winter season. I took some time to wander along its tracks and take in the rather zen ambience.

After an hour or so of sketching and idea generation on a wall by the river running through the park, I left in search again of the canal. I took a moment to see what had happened to the grand old Burnley College building – which is now in a very sorry state.

However the easiest way to the canal, I gauged, was to nip back into the park and hop onto its bank from there. I was soon, from entering under a bridge, seemingly on top of he whole town. It was very surreal and rather beautiful, and I have since decided that the canal should play a prominent role in my project.

In my 19 years of living in Burnley I have never really taken the time to wander along and see the town from the canal, but I will definitely be doing so again, and would urge any residents to do the same. It was a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, and offers some lovely views as well as a look back at our rich heritage. The views here are taken from the ‘straight mile’, one of the “seven wonders of the British canal systems”, a 60ft high embankment which forms a mile of dead straight waterway through the town centre.

Overall my trip back to Burnley was strange. So why so strange? I shall explain. Normally when I go to Burnley, I avoid the town itself and head pretty much straight to where I actually live, in a small village just outside the main centre. Coupled with the fact that I went not for leisure but for purely research purposes, made for an alternative but thoroughly enjoyable trip.

Being a tourist in my own hometown definitely opened my eyes to how lovely my town can be, and has filled me with ideas for my D&AD + Pantone brief to reimagine my hometown through colour. Up the clarets!

(I did once go to a Burnley match and it was a tonne of fun. Evidence here.)