Dudley Time Portal

Items tagged: Photo
This building has been picked because it is significant as it represents the language slang used in the local area. Not only that, the facade clearly looks worn and requires repair throughout. This is the best place to start as the locals would easily refer to it via slang. So when spreading the news of repair, people would instantly know which building it is. - Ryan Cooksey Building 1 Model 1.png
This building has been picked because it is significant as it represents the language slang used in the local area. Not only that, the facade clearly looks worn and requires repair throughout. This is the best place to start as the locals would easily refer to it via slang. So when spreading the news of repair, people would instantly know which building it is.
Photo Model Material Aesthetic Architecture Decay Broken Opportunity Potential Craft Making
"The Woolworths store in Dudley High Street in 2004."
Photo Past Old Consumption Commerce Memory
Materials analysis 2.pdf
Material analysis
Map Photo Diagram Architecture Material
Flower for the High Street
Pick up your flowers on the way home - Sita Patel More than human high street 1.png
Flower for the High Street Pick up your flowers on the way home
Photo Nature Growing Plantlife Tiny Things
The Spiers home furnishing store in Dudley High Street in April 1970 -
The Spiers home furnishing store in Dudley High Street in April 1970 - "Plans to demolish the Spiers home furnishing store in Dudley High Street were met with opposition in April 1970, with campaigners voicing fears the town would become subject to rectangular uniformity and called for the building to be preserved."
Photo Past Old Architecture Voice Care Memory
The image shows what this space could look like as a productive landscape. Where all the space is used. Vertical growing space can be utilised for pollinators for heights out of human range and for fruit and herbs in the lower regions that lie within our grasp. Trees can provide shelter, pollen and fruit, as can shrubs. - 1_I1Zo_eW9Ylo2G6KP5uxbfw.png
The image shows what this space could look like as a productive landscape. Where all the space is used. Vertical growing space can be utilised for pollinators for heights out of human range and for fruit and herbs in the lower regions that lie within our grasp. Trees can provide shelter, pollen and fruit, as can shrubs.
Collage Photo Drawing Imagining Change Creatures Food Future Growing High Imagination Life Low Nature Opportunity People Plantlife Potential Shelter Views
There is a clear presence representing Dudley with the bold red ‘Bostin’ sign at ground level. Chosen for its cantilever first and the second floor, this building could be adapted to have an external space. Also, there is a slight ‘hotel Fouquet barrière’ about the facade as its bricked-up windows represent change over time. - Ryan Cooksey Building 3 Photo.png
There is a clear presence representing Dudley with the bold red ‘Bostin’ sign at ground level. Chosen for its cantilever first and the second floor, this building could be adapted to have an external space. Also, there is a slight ‘hotel Fouquet barrière’ about the facade as its bricked-up windows represent change over time.
Photo Model Material Aesthetic Architecture Decay Broken Opportunity Potential Craft Making Climate Words
Building Deterioration
There was a familiar aesthetic regarding the buildings during the initial site visit to Dudley High Street. However, a large proportion of the façades that look onto the street have noticeable damage, graffiti or structural issues.
With that said, these images (right) are an insight into some of the damage. If the local authorities saw the high street as a priority, then damages and aesthetics would have been resolved and fixed. However, as there are multiple damages, this assumes that this high street is not one authority wish to preserve.

That said, this opens an opportunity. Instead of being a conservationist and repairing these buildings to their former glory, why not make them a statement piece within the high street. Possibly by placing a blanket ban on all of the current materials seen on the street. Instead, any repairs must be in Zero carbon / Carbon negative materials. This could then become an educational street with great architectural character. Both combined may increase the high streets footfall.

The first step would be to highlight any listed buildings or monuments within the high street. - Ryan Cooksey Building Deterioration.png
Building Deterioration There was a familiar aesthetic regarding the buildings during the initial site visit to Dudley High Street. However, a large proportion of the façades that look onto the street have noticeable damage, graffiti or structural issues. With that said, these images (right) are an insight into some of the damage. If the local authorities saw the high street as a priority, then damages and aesthetics would have been resolved and fixed. However, as there are multiple damages, this assumes that this high street is not one authority wish to preserve. That said, this opens an opportunity. Instead of being a conservationist and repairing these buildings to their former glory, why not make them a statement piece within the high street. Possibly by placing a blanket ban on all of the current materials seen on the street. Instead, any repairs must be in Zero carbon / Carbon negative materials. This could then become an educational street with great architectural character. Both combined may increase the high streets footfall. The first step would be to highlight any listed buildings or monuments within the high street.
Photo Material Aesthetic Architecture Decay Broken Opportunity Potential Past Sustainable Climate Learning
"A tram travels along Wolverhampton Street in Dudley.."
Photo Past Aesthetic Architecture Beauty Change Difference Familiar Identity Life Memory Missing People Old Shelter Survival Transport Unfamiliar Words Vehicle Speeds
Spiders web
Making a new home on the high street with the perfect view - Sita Patel More than human high street 2.png
Spiders web Making a new home on the high street with the perfect view
Photo Creatures Homes Views Tiny Things
Explore The History Of Site Voids - This will provide an opportunity to reimplement these to allow vertical green corridors to occur.

Explore Vacant Buildings - To avoid damaging an already deteriorating high street, I aim only to take over vacant plots.

Investigate the opportunity for Miyawaki planting - understand the conditions required to grow a sustainable material source on-site, including ground, water, and space conditions.

It takes over a building that leads directly to an open space where a community hub is the centre of the thesis, offering education, community engagement and material celebration. - Ryan Cooksey Material Celebration Hub 1.png
Explore The History Of Site Voids - This will provide an opportunity to reimplement these to allow vertical green corridors to occur. Explore Vacant Buildings - To avoid damaging an already deteriorating high street, I aim only to take over vacant plots. Investigate the opportunity for Miyawaki planting - understand the conditions required to grow a sustainable material source on-site, including ground, water, and space conditions. It takes over a building that leads directly to an open space where a community hub is the centre of the thesis, offering education, community engagement and material celebration.
Collage Diagram Drawing Imagining Map Text Photo Sustainable Regenerative Potential Opportunity Architecture Change Energy Decay Unused Nature Growing Plantlife Water Community Past Archaeology Learning Health Aesthetic Biodiversity Imagination Climate
The top edge on the Duncan Edwards Memorial statue in the market square. What you're looking at is fossilised sea life of a good million + years ago.  - IMG_7264.jpeg
The top edge on the Duncan Edwards Memorial statue in the market square. What you're looking at is fossilised sea life of a good million + years ago.
Photo Aesthetic Archaeology Beauty Change Craft Creatures Exposed Hiding Layer Life Material Nature Past Pattern Surprise Texture Tiny Things Old
"Hanson's Brewery at the top of Dudley High Street, pictured here in November 1991, shortly before it closed. An Asda supermarket now stands on the site."
Photo Past Old Memory Architecture
"Dudley Market Place where archaeologists found the foundations of old market buildings while preparing for the redevelopment of the area in April 2014."
Photo Past Old Memory Archaeology
High street facade colour palette - High street facade colour palette south.png
High street facade colour palette
Map Photo Diagram Architecture Colour
"Dudley High Street looking towards Lower High Street and Bottom Church in September 1983."
Photo Past Old Consumption Commerce Vehicle People Memory
Ryan is the owner of Slick Barbers he was born and grew up in Dudley and has been a long standing black business owner on Dudley High Street. He opened his shop when he was in his late teens and continues to be a role model in Dudley's Black community.  - 2021-07-31 Do Fest 2 (Edited)-12.jpg
Ryan is the owner of Slick Barbers he was born and grew up in Dudley and has been a long standing black business owner on Dudley High Street. He opened his shop when he was in his late teens and continues to be a role model in Dudley's Black community.
Photo Beauty Care Colour Community Culture Kindness People Connection Identity
View story
Caribbean one stop-awaiting story from Dionne
Photo Commerce Community Connection Consumption Culture Interacting Food
Street plant sightings

The charted planting is a selection of the current extent of the high street. As discovered, the area has little to no variance, with the exception of the more developed properties at either end of the high street. These properties generally have more trees and mature planting around them, making them more appreciative of the biodiversity.

Facing the high street, there is approximately 2690m2 of greenery, the majority of which is situated at either end, on the property of the two churches. Ignoring these numbers, the area of greenery drops significantly due to the limited overgrowth around lampposts, bins and along the store fronts.

For the wider biodiversity of the high street the select amount greenery provides very little benefit for nesting wildlife. Within the developed properties more thought and appreciation can be given to accommodate a more diverse spread of wildlife and planting. Along the high street there is little consideration for interactions with the wider biodiversity, a few trees (provided by the council) and strip of high level planting along a store front.

As for the rest of the ‘greenery’ along the high street, this could be seen more as neglect from the cleaning and maintenance of the street. The remaining biodiversity identified comes from areas that have retained water from lack of drainage and moisture retention. Seen around the street furniture, grass, weeds and moss can be seen growing along the gaps between paviers and along gutters. Despite being ‘greenery’ these areas provide no benefit to the biodiversity and are more of a sign that the council have no intention to improve the state of the area.

Within the developed quarters, the majority of the biodiversity is grassland, which too only has a limited positive environmental impact. The two churches provide an excellent coverage of their respective sights and can provide a good quality of air and absorption of CO2 due to the large number of trees and bushes . Whilst the grasslands are a welcoming sight, they play a very little roll in absorbing CO2 and to provide other positive environmental impacts that the larger greenery does. - Matthew Hewitt Street Plant Sightings.png
Street plant sightings The charted planting is a selection of the current extent of the high street. As discovered, the area has little to no variance, with the exception of the more developed properties at either end of the high street. These properties generally have more trees and mature planting around them, making them more appreciative of the biodiversity. Facing the high street, there is approximately 2690m2 of greenery, the majority of which is situated at either end, on the property of the two churches. Ignoring these numbers, the area of greenery drops significantly due to the limited overgrowth around lampposts, bins and along the store fronts. For the wider biodiversity of the high street the select amount greenery provides very little benefit for nesting wildlife. Within the developed properties more thought and appreciation can be given to accommodate a more diverse spread of wildlife and planting. Along the high street there is little consideration for interactions with the wider biodiversity, a few trees (provided by the council) and strip of high level planting along a store front. As for the rest of the ‘greenery’ along the high street, this could be seen more as neglect from the cleaning and maintenance of the street. The remaining biodiversity identified comes from areas that have retained water from lack of drainage and moisture retention. Seen around the street furniture, grass, weeds and moss can be seen growing along the gaps between paviers and along gutters. Despite being ‘greenery’ these areas provide no benefit to the biodiversity and are more of a sign that the council have no intention to improve the state of the area. Within the developed quarters, the majority of the biodiversity is grassland, which too only has a limited positive environmental impact. The two churches provide an excellent coverage of their respective sights and can provide a good quality of air and absorption of CO2 due to the large number of trees and bushes . Whilst the grasslands are a welcoming sight, they play a very little roll in absorbing CO2 and to provide other positive environmental impacts that the larger greenery does.
Map Photo Plantlife Nature Growing Pollution Care
Glasshouse existing elevations - Michelle Gartside Existing site 1.png
Glasshouse existing elevations
Drawing Photo Map Architecture
"Dudley Market Place looking west in 1955."
Photo Past Old Memory Architecture People Vehicle
"Locals would pop into The Hen and Chickens Hotel for a quick pint and a chat in December 1982. The popular watering hole dominated the corner of New Street and Castle Street in Dudley Market Place."
Photo Past Old Memory Architecture
Creating a stronger connecting between the current food spaces by:
- Pedestrianising the road with a grassland
- Utilising abandoned building for education centres and community farming.

Linked to the Food Hub is an education centre sharing information on edible insects and Dudley’s biodiversity. Also offers insect cooking lessons to the local community and schools.

Immersed within the grassland is areas where existing buildings can extend out onto the street to create a stronger bond with new sustainable environment.

Redesigning the Market Place with more levels of outdoor seating to create a new experience and environment of eating food on the High Street.

Gardening and insect farming spaces integrated within the buildings. By bringing all the food production onto the High Street will help reduce food waste and also offer fresh produce to the locals. - Sita Patel Food Hub 0.png
Creating a stronger connecting between the current food spaces by: - Pedestrianising the road with a grassland - Utilising abandoned building for education centres and community farming. Linked to the Food Hub is an education centre sharing information on edible insects and Dudley’s biodiversity. Also offers insect cooking lessons to the local community and schools. Immersed within the grassland is areas where existing buildings can extend out onto the street to create a stronger bond with new sustainable environment. Redesigning the Market Place with more levels of outdoor seating to create a new experience and environment of eating food on the High Street. Gardening and insect farming spaces integrated within the buildings. By bringing all the food production onto the High Street will help reduce food waste and also offer fresh produce to the locals.
Diagram Drawing Photo Map Food System Growing Regenerative Sustainable Creatures Nature Plantlife Learning Community Health Waste Unused Architecture Biodiversity
"Dudley's Edwardian Market Place pictured around 1905."
Photo Past Aesthetic Architecture Beauty Change Consumption Difference Familiar Identity Life Lingering Memory Missing People Old Shelter Stillness Survival Transport Unfamiliar Words
Dudley young people of black ethnicity worked together to put on a Fashion Talent and History show to celebrate Black heritage and fashion for Jamaican Independence day 2021. This show took place at the African Caribbean Centre in Dudley.    - 1970e.jpg
Dudley young people of black ethnicity worked together to put on a Fashion Talent and History show to celebrate Black heritage and fashion for Jamaican Independence day 2021. This show took place at the African Caribbean Centre in Dudley.
Photo Sunny Beauty Colour Community Connection Creativity Culture Expression Friendliness Identity Imagination Interacting Life Play People
Here are a few pics from some Archeology taking place adjacent to Flood Street. Sadly the fencing wouldn't allow me closer to take better pictures. The excavations show the evidence of former back to back housing, floor tiling laid directly onto the earth, street or yard cobblestones, a coal hole/cellar and possibly a garden path? Then there's a mysterious line of embossed bricks. Tho' not to be seen there'd have been outside WC's.  All rather romantic as the past is often portrayed but such housing tended to create insanitary conditions with rising damp, open indoor fires & lack of ventilation.  - IMG_3698.jpg
Here are a few pics from some Archeology taking place adjacent to Flood Street. Sadly the fencing wouldn't allow me closer to take better pictures. The excavations show the evidence of former back to back housing, floor tiling laid directly onto the earth, street or yard cobblestones, a coal hole/cellar and possibly a garden path? Then there's a mysterious line of embossed bricks. Tho' not to be seen there'd have been outside WC's. All rather romantic as the past is often portrayed but such housing tended to create insanitary conditions with rising damp, open indoor fires & lack of ventilation.
Photo Boundaries Architecture Health Memory Other Archaeology
Dudley Market pictured in May 1982 - Screenshot 2022-02-24 at 15_14_27.png
Dudley Market pictured in May 1982
Photo Past High Commerce People Transport Vehicle Architecture
We initially collaged together all the facade images taken and then annotated them with further reference to key areas. The right hand side looking at materiality, street furniture and observations of people. The
left hand side looks at observing some of the most dominant features - the traffic, shopping centre and busy public market in the centre. - Michelle Gartside Initial response.png
We initially collaged together all the facade images taken and then annotated them with further reference to key areas. The right hand side looking at materiality, street furniture and observations of people. The left hand side looks at observing some of the most dominant features - the traffic, shopping centre and busy public market in the centre.
Photo Collage Architecture Material People Traffic
First collage mock-up of one side of the highstreet - Michelle Gartside High St Collage.png
First collage mock-up of one side of the highstreet
Photo Collage Architecture
Dudley market had had very few black traders this is Pitshuo is from Congo and her business is RPA fabrics and hair. She has journeyed from Congo to Dudley high street. - 2021-07-31 Do Fest (Edited)-21.jpg
Dudley market had had very few black traders this is Pitshuo is from Congo and her business is RPA fabrics and hair. She has journeyed from Congo to Dudley high street.
Photo Sunny Colour Economics Culture Expression Happiness Imagination People Identity
"The Co-operative store at the top of Dudley High Street in 1969"
Photo Past Old Consumption Commerce Memory Care Decay
"Winter sale in Dudley High street during a cold January in 1958."
Photo Past Old Consumption Commerce Memory
"Dudley High Street, viewed from the recently-pedestrianised market place, as it looked in May 1985."
Photo Past Old Memory People
"Dudley High Street, pictured in the mid 1980s when Cooks department store was a major focus of the town."
Photo Past Old Vehicle Architecture People Consumption Commerce Memory
This building has been chosen due to the clear retrofit it has already undergone. The building has two halves, a modern function on street level with roller shutter doors. These doors seem very out of place as they are not shy in hiding their presence. Then the top half is traditional stone and mortar with some elements of detailing around the windows. I wonder what the addition would look like with the zero- carbon material repair pallet. - Ryan Cooksey Building 2 Model 4.png
This building has been chosen due to the clear retrofit it has already undergone. The building has two halves, a modern function on street level with roller shutter doors. These doors seem very out of place as they are not shy in hiding their presence. Then the top half is traditional stone and mortar with some elements of detailing around the windows. I wonder what the addition would look like with the zero- carbon material repair pallet.
Photo Model Material Aesthetic Architecture Decay Broken Opportunity Potential Craft Making Climate
Here's some stuff in a locked yard (that just happened to be open) down Wolverhampton Street. There are what look like two chapels in there.  - IMG_7586.jpeg
Here's some stuff in a locked yard (that just happened to be open) down Wolverhampton Street. There are what look like two chapels in there.
Photo Access Architecture Boundaries Broken Care Chance Craft Curiosity Decay Exposed Hiding Material Old Overlooked Opportunity Ownership Past Shelter Unfamiliar Weathered
"Ted North ran his Black Country Bakes traditional baked potato business in Dudley High Street for decades.This is his potato baker stall in 1982."
Photo Past Old Memory People Food
A bowl of nature
Nature's cereal, only to be consumed by wildlife. - Sita Patel More than human high street 3.png
A bowl of nature Nature's cereal, only to be consumed by wildlife.
Photo Nature Food Creatures Tiny Things
Street scale patchwork

Investigating Facade Damage will highlight where the repair needs to be undertaken.

It is creating an irregular pattern of repair that evolves.

Only intervene when necessary; this proposal will not ‘repair what does not need fixing’ as it appreciates there could be a negative effect on an already declining high street.

Repairs will be constructed with the materials grown on the street as part of the Macro-scale intervention. - Ryan Cooksey Street Scale Patchwork 1.png
Street scale patchwork Investigating Facade Damage will highlight where the repair needs to be undertaken. It is creating an irregular pattern of repair that evolves. Only intervene when necessary; this proposal will not ‘repair what does not need fixing’ as it appreciates there could be a negative effect on an already declining high street. Repairs will be constructed with the materials grown on the street as part of the Macro-scale intervention.
Diagram Drawing Imagining Text Photo Textile Sustainable Regenerative Potential Opportunity Architecture Change Decay Unused Aesthetic Repair Care Broken Pattern Material Growing Nature Plantlife Imagination Climate
"Dudley Market Place, pictured here in the early 1980s, with the Trueform shoe shop being rebuilt."
Photo Past Old Memory People
A timely reminder of our times with COVID. Almost 100 years ago this gravestone is in St Edmond’s (bottom church) it’s a fine reminder that respiratory illnesses have alway been with us. It reads;- 

In memory of Mordecai, son of Meredith &Tamar Ingam, who died Jan 10 1823, in the 19th year of his age. ‘Apple consumption gave the fatal blow,The stroke was certain tho’ the effect was slow,With ling’ring pain Heaven saw me sore oppressed, Pitied my sighs and kindly gave me rest’.

Not the stonemason’s error on the 19 of his age, or was it 29? - 9E0D968C-A76F-43E8-A4B5-CE03C1CC4489.jpeg
A timely reminder of our times with COVID. Almost 100 years ago this gravestone is in St Edmond’s (bottom church) it’s a fine reminder that respiratory illnesses have alway been with us. It reads;- In memory of Mordecai, son of Meredith &Tamar Ingam, who died Jan 10 1823, in the 19th year of his age. ‘Apple consumption gave the fatal blow,The stroke was certain tho’ the effect was slow,With ling’ring pain Heaven saw me sore oppressed, Pitied my sighs and kindly gave me rest’. Not the stonemason’s error on the 19 of his age, or was it 29?
Photo People Health
"Owner Alan Caswell outside the Arcade Toy Shop in the Fountain Arcade in July 2011."
Photo Past Old Memory People
This graffiti image is on the wall at ACCN- Dudley African Caribbean Network, I would like to know how and when this was created. One Love is a reference to a Bob Marley song and is written in the image. - ACCN Wall Art.jpg
This graffiti image is on the wall at ACCN- Dudley African Caribbean Network, I would like to know how and when this was created. One Love is a reference to a Bob Marley song and is written in the image.
Photo Sunny Boundaries Creativity Culture Emotion Expression Hiding Happiness Identity Life Memory People Play Stories Words
With the current High Street, there is very little to entice people to spend their time there. - Untitled.png
With the current High Street, there is very little to entice people to spend their time there.
Photo Thought Beauty Architecture Views Commerce Consumption Safety Shelter Texture Lingering
Dudley Vernacular - Michelle Gartside Dudley Vernacular 2.png
Dudley Vernacular
Photo Drawing Map Architecture Material
"Dudley High Street in the early 1900s."
Photo Past Aesthetic Architecture Beauty Change Consumption Difference Familiar Identity Life Lingering Memory Missing People Old Shelter Stillness Survival Transport Unfamiliar Words
"The interior of William Granage cake shop and cafe in Dudley High Street, taken in 1912."
Photo Past Old Consumption Commerce Memory Food
"The days were numbered for these historic buildings when this picture of Dudley High Street was taken in November 1970. A public inquiry was being held to decide whether five listed buildings in the street could be demolished to make way for the new Trident Centre shopping complex. Permission was granted, and it was discovered during demolition that parts of these buildings dated back to the Middle Ages."
Photo Past Old Memory Architecture Archaeology
"The new market in Dudley market place in 1983 had a little more aisle space between the stalls, making shopping easier for customers. The market had just reopened after three months spent in Stone Street while it was refurbished. Traditionalists had bitterly attacked the replacing of wooden stalls with metal and the removal of the old-fashioned cobbles. This was taken on May 15, 1983."
Photo Past Old Memory People Commerce Consumption
"Four Debenhams staff with 100-years service between them were bidding a fond farewell as the store in Dudley High Street closed for the last time in January 1981. Manager Douglas Spalding, who was with the company for 26 years, was photographed with Nancy Robinson, Kathleen Jackson and Marion Sutton."
Photo Past Old Memory People