View allAll Photos Tagged Executed
A modified M1068A3 SICPS assigned to 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard, executes a tactical pause to direct operations during Decisive Action Rotation 18-07 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., May 6, 2018. Decisive Action Rotations at the National Training Center ensure units remain versatile, responsive, and consistently available for current and future contingencies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Guy Mingo, Operations Group, National Training Center)
9/21/11 DESPITE PROTESTS, TROY DAVIS WILL BE EXECUTED TONIGHT ...is Troy an innocent man ? What really happened that night ? Was he in the vicinity of the shooting near Burger King ? No physical evidence? I haven't read all the details. Europeans are protesting as well. Pope Benedict attempted to help Troy previously. There seems to be MORE objections in this death case than others (albeit there are always protestors at every execution) . One thing I find interesting is how "conservatives" tend to be more in favor of death penalty albeit also more in favor of pro-life (protecting the unborn) on the other end, while "liberals" are often more in favor of pro-choice (allowing abortion) but get more upset with the death penalty. If Troy is an innocent man, may the executors beg for grace from God. If he is not innocent, they still need grace from God. We ALL need grace, & none of us are innocent, even if we may be innocent of actual murder. This case, however, seems to be more controversial b/c there apparently remain legitimate doubts about Troy's involvement in the shooting (again, I haven't read all the details), unlike other cases where guilt is not a question, only whether the death penalty is cruel & unusual punishment. I am praying for the powers-to-be to make the right decision, as well as the loved ones of the murdered man (an off-duty police officer by the name of Mark MacPhail)...they should not be overlooked or forgotten either (albeit I am troubled by the statement by one of the loved ones of MacPhail who said that it is time to get this over with so they can "start their lives.."...this happened in 1989, over 20 years ago, & they have been waiting all this time for Troy to be put to death so they can "start their lives" ? That's troubling to think that only the death of this man will allow them to start living again ...my friends, Jesus died for ALL of us...including the repentant murderers, including Troy Davis (if he is guilty)....forget about the man who murdered Mark, whether it was Troy or somebody else. Concentrate on Jesus Christ & the hope that Mark is in a better place today & that you can be with him again if you know Jesus (I myself got in an argument w/ a black man just today here in los angeles & was convinced he hated me as a white person..he even made a barely veiled death threat...I know anger...I know hurt...& I have to keep reminding myself to forgive, as hard as it may be & pray for those who have insulted, offended, & would even murder me, if necessary...I can't hang on to grudges against people who are not people...not truly human..such as the fellow who insulted me this morning...& whoever murdered Mark is non-human as well...its like hanging on to anger towards a rock for falling on top of your car... God will hold them accountable ...we don't have to hang on to the clipboard of justice...God has it in His Hands...His justice will prevail ) . Finally, I am also praying for Troy. I hope he already knows Jesus as Savior,...if so, & he has sincerely repented for any & all sins (not just this murder, guilty or not) he will be in a better place at midnight tonight. That's the best wisdom I can provide for the time being.
www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imGV-LA1hGflf...
Most execute the usual shot in color, while tonight I opted for the black and white. Getting proper exposure was tricky with the light streaming in at odd angles but I managed to find a happy medium.
La statue de Moïse est une sculpture de Michel-Ange, exécutée vers 1513–1515, intégrée dans le Tombeau de Jules II dans la basilique Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens à Rome.
Cette statue de Moïse faisant partie du projet initial du Tombeau de Jules II, de la basilique Saint-Pierre de Rome. Après quarante années de déboires de remaniements de contrat, un ensemble réduit fut transféré par les héritiers à Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens.
In the undercover of darkness, officers from GMP’s Xcalibre task force executed a number of simultaneous warrants this morning (Wednesday 9 November 2022) – three in the Middleton area of Rochdale and one in Sheffield – and arrested four people on suspicion of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life.
The arrests come in response to the drive-by shooting that occurred on Quinney Crescent in Moss Side on Friday 29 July 2022, where a party was being held. A teenage girl sustained serious injuries from the shotgun blast and another girl was injured from what was believed to be shrapnel resulting from the firearms discharge.
Both attended hospital at the time and were subsequently discharged to recover at home.
Detectives are today renewing their appeal for witnesses to the incident and are urging anyone with any information on the shooting, or the vehicle of interest, as well as any mobile, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward and speak to GMP.
Officers will be out in the community of Moss Side today to offer reassurance and to be a point of contact for anyone who wants to talk.
Detective Superintendent David Meeney from the City of Manchester Division said: “This incident could have been far more serious. We do not believe that the two girls were the intended targets and were simply innocent bystanders, enjoying a party.
“This shows me that the people responsible are clearly dangerous as they have shown zero regard for who could have been injured that night. Guns have no place on the streets of Manchester and investigating these offences is a priority for GMP – to ensure we that we can bring the offenders to justice and protect the communities of Greater Manchester.
“Today’s arrests, led by the Xcalibre Task Force, shows how determined we are to bring those responsible for this callous attack to justice. I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of Moss Side on Friday 29 July 2022 between 10pm and 11pm, who may have seen a vehicle being driven erratically, to contact us.
“I am particularly interested in any sightings of a dark coloured SUV-type car and I am asking for anyone with any dashcam or doorbell footage that may have captured those responsible, either arriving or leaving the area, to please contact us. I have trained officers on-hand who can download and review any footage quickly.
“I am also appealing to anyone in the local community and those who live or work in the surrounding areas, who may have any information regarding the shooting to come forward. As well as approaching our officers who are out today, you can call 101 or use the Live Chat service on our website – www.gmp.police.uk.
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
Snakes (Untitled) was executed by Norval Morrisseau around 1968-1970.
The Denver Art Museum, a private, non-profit museum, is known for its collection of American Indian art. Its impressive collection of more than 68,000 works includes pieces from around the world including modern and contemporary art, European and American painting and sculpture, and pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial art. The museum was originally founded in 1893 as the Denver Artists Club. In 1918, it moved into galleries in the Denver City and County Building, and became the Denver Art Museum.
In 1971, the museum opened what is now known as the North Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and Denver-based James Sudler Associates. The seven-story structure, 210,000-square-foot building allowed the museum to display its collections under one roof for the first time. The Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and Denver firm Davis Partnership Architects, opened on October 7, 2006 to accommodate the Denver Art Museum's growing collections and programs.
Travelers, was executed by Deborah Masters in 2007, was installed in Audubon Park in March, 2008 as part of Sculpture for New Orleans.
Audubon Park, bordered by the Mississippi River and St. Charles Avenue, was carved out of the plantations owned by the Foucher and Boré familes in 1871, and initially called Upper City Park. The park is named in honor of artist and naturalist John James Audubon, who began living in New Orleans in 1821. Inside the park, there is a golf course, several lakes, and the 58-acre Audubon Zoo.
In 1884 the World's Industrial and Cotton Exposition, or World Cotton Centennial, celebrating the first shipment of cotton, was held in Audubon Park. The first street car was introduced at the expo, led by motorman/tea baron Thomas Lipton. The Mardi Gras Krewe of Rex arrived at the Expo aboard a yacht, establishing a tradition that survives today. New Orleans was still recovering from the Civil War and Reconstruction, and it was the World's Fair that helped jumpstart development around the city. Most remnants of the Cotton Exposition were demolished or destroyed in the ensuing years and Audubon Park's present form follows a a design drafted by John Charles Olmsted, a principal of the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture practice.
Detail of the Baptistry Window, a masterpiece of abstract stained glass designed by John Piper and executed by Patrick Reyntiens.
Coventry's Cathedral is a unique synthesis of old a new, born of wartime suffering and forged in the spirit of postwar optimism, famous for it's history and for being the most radically modern of Anglican cathedrals. Two cathedral's stand side by side, the ruins of the medieval building, destroyed by incendiary bombs in 1940 and the bold new building designed by Basil Spence and opened in 1962.
It is a common misconception that Coventry lost it's first cathedral in the wartime blitz, but the bombs actually destroyed it's second; the original medieval cathedral was the monastic St Mary's, a large cruciform building believed to have been similar in appearance to Lichfield Cathedral (whose diocese it shared). Tragically it became the only English cathedral to be destroyed during the Reformation, after which it was quickly quarried away, leaving only scant fragments, but enough evidence survives to indicate it's rich decoration (some pieces displayed nearby in the Priory Visitors Centre). Foundations of it's apse were found during the building of the new cathedral in the 1950s, thus technically three cathedrals share the same site.
The mainly 15th century St Michael's parish church became the seat of the new diocese of Coventry in 1918, and being one of the largest parish churches in the country it was upgraded to cathedral status without structural changes (unlike most 'parish church' cathedrals created in the early 20th century). It lasted in this role a mere 22 years before being burned to the ground in the 1940 Coventry Blitz, leaving only the outer walls and the magnificent tapering tower and spire (the extensive arcades and clerestoreys collapsed completely in the fire, precipitated by the roof reinforcement girders, installed in the Victorian restoration, that buckled in the intense heat).
The determination to rebuild the cathedral in some form was born on the day of the bombing, however it wasn't until the mid 1950s that a competition was held and Sir Basil Spence's design was chosen. Spence had been so moved by experiencing the ruined church he resolved to retain it entirely to serve as a forecourt to the new church. He envisaged the two being linked by a glass screen wall so that the old church would be visible from within the new.
Built between 1957-62 at a right-angle to the ruins, the new cathedral attracted controversy for it's modern form, and yet some modernists argued that it didn't go far enough, afterall there are echoes of the gothic style in the great stone-mullioned windows of the nave and the net vaulting (actually a free-standing canopy) within. What is exceptional is the way art has been used as such an integral part of the building, a watershed moment, revolutionising the concept of religious art in Britain.
Spence employed some of the biggest names in contemporary art to contribute their vision to his; the exterior is adorned with Jacob Epstein's triumphant bronze figures of Archangel Michael (patron of the cathedral) vanquishing the Devil. At the entrance is the remarkable glass wall, engraved by John Hutton with strikingly stylised figures of saints and angels, and allowing the interior of the new to communicate with the ruin. Inside, the great tapestry of Christ in majesty surrounded by the evangelistic creatures, draws the eye beyond the high altar; it was designed by Graham Sutherland and was the largest tapestry ever made.
However one of the greatest features of Coventry is it's wealth of modern stained glass, something Spence resolved to include having witnessed the bleakness of Chartres Cathedral in wartime, when all it's stained glass had been removed. The first window encountered on entering is the enormous 'chess-board' baptistry window filled with stunning abstract glass by John Piper & Patrick Reyntiens, a symphony of glowing colour. The staggered nave walls are illuminated by ten narrow floor to ceiling windows filled with semi-abstract symbolic designs arranged in pairs of dominant colours (green, red, multi-coloured, purple/blue and gold) representing the souls journey to maturity, and revealed gradually as one approaches the altar. This amazing project was the work of three designers lead by master glass artist Lawrence Lee of the Royal College of Art along with Keith New and Geoffrey Clarke (each artist designed three of the windows individually and all collaborated on the last).
The cathedral still dazzles the visitor with the boldness of it's vision, but alas, half a century on, it was not a vision to be repeated and few of the churches and cathedrals built since can claim to have embraced the synthesis of art and architecture in the way Basil Spence did at Coventry.
The cathedral is generally open to visitors most days, but now charges an entry fee (a fix for recent financial worries; gone are the frequent days I used to wander around it in search of inspiration!)and sadly visitors are also encouraged to enter by the far end of the building, contrary to Spence's intentions.
For more see below:-
The Sanctury of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church features three beautiful 1880s Ferguson and Urie stained glass windows; Faith on the left, Charity in the middle and Hope on the right. All are executed in iridescent reds, yellows, greens and blues, to reflect the colour palate used in other Ferguson and Urie windows elsewhere around the church.
Built on the crest of a hill in a prominent position overlooking St Kilda and the bay is the grand St Kilda Presbyterian Church.
The St Kilda Presbyterian Church's interior is cool, spacious and lofty, with high ceilings of tongue and groove boards laid diagonally, and a large apse whose ceiling was once painted with golden star stenciling. The bluestone walls are so thick that the sounds of the busy intersection of Barkley Street and Alma Road barely permeate the church's interior, and it is easy to forget that you are in such a noisy inner Melbourne suburb. The cedar pews of the church are divided by two grand aisles which feature tall cast iron columns with Corinthian capitals. At the rear of the building towards Alma Road there are twin porches and a narthex with a staircase that leads to the rear gallery where the choir sang from. It apparently once housed an organ by William Anderson, but the space today is used as an office and Bible study area. The current impressive Fincham and Hobday organ from 1892 sits in the north-east corner of the church. It cost £1030.00 to acquire and install. The church is flooded with light, even on an overcast day with a powerful thunder storm brewing (as the weather was on my visit). The reason for such light is because of the very large Gothic windows, many of which are filled with quarry glass by Ferguson and Urie featuring geometric tracery with coloured borders. The church also features stained glass windows designed by Ferguson and Urie, including the impressive rose window, British stained glass artist Ernest Richard Suffling, Brooks, Robinson and Company Glass Merchants, Mathieson and Gibson of Melbourne and one by Australian stained glass artist Napier Waller.
Opened in 1886, the St Kilda Presbyterian church was designed by the architects firm of Wilson and Beswicke, a business founded in 1881 by Ralph Wilson and John Beswicke (1847 - 1925) when they became partners for a short period. The church is constructed of bluestone with freestone dressings and designed in typical Victorian Gothic style. The foundation stone, which may be found on the Alma Road facade, was laid by the Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Barkly on 27 January. When it was built, the St Kilda Presbyterian Church was surrounded by large properties with grand mansions built upon them, so the congregation were largely very affluent and wished for a place of worship that reflected its stature not only in location atop a hill, but in size and grandeur.
The exterior facades of the church on Barkley Street and Alma Road are dominated by a magnificent tower topped by an imposing tower. The location of the church and the height of the tower made the spire a landmark for mariners sailing into Melbourne's port. The tower features corner pinnacles and round spaces for the insertion of a clock, which never took place. Common Victorian Gothic architectural features of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church include complex bar tracery over the windows, wall buttresses which identify structural bays, gabled roof vents, parapeted gables and excellent stone masonry across the entire structure.
I am very grateful to the Reverend Paul Lee for allowing me the opportunity to photograph the interior of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church so extensively.
The architects Wilson and Beswicke were also responsible for the Brighton, Dandenong, Essendon, Hawthorn and Malvern Town Halls and the Brisbane Wesleyan Church on the corner of Albert and Ann Streets. They also designed shops in the inner Melbourne suburbs of Auburn and Fitzroy. They also designed several individual houses, including "Tudor House" in Williamstown, "Tudor Lodge" in Hawthorn and "Rotha" in Hawthorn, the latter of which is where John Beswicke lived.
The stained glass firm of Ferguson and Urie was established by Scots James Ferguson (1818 – 1894), James Urie (1828 – 1890) and John Lamb Lyon (1836 – 1916). They were the first known makers of stained glass in Australia. Until the early 1860s, window glass in Melbourne had been clear or plain coloured, and nearly all was imported, but new churches and elaborate buildings created a demand for pictorial windows. The three Scotsmen set up Ferguson and Urie in 1862 and the business thrived until 1899, when it ceased operation, with only John Lamb Lyon left alive. Ferguson and Urie was the most successful Nineteenth Century Australian stained glass window making company. Among their earliest works were a Shakespeare window for the Haymarket Theatre in Bourke Street, a memorial window to Prince Albert in Holy Trinity, Kew, and a set of Apostles for the West Melbourne Presbyterian Church. Their palatial Gothic Revival office building stood at 283 Collins Street from 1875. Ironically, their last major commission, a window depicting “labour”, was installed in the old Melbourne Stock Exchange in Collins Street in 1893 on the eve of the bank crash. Their windows can be found throughout the older suburbs of Melbourne and across provincial Victoria.
At St Aldegundis, Emmerich am Rhein; part of a set of modern stations of the cross. Executed in glass by the Derix Company in the 1950s and 1960s in the relatively nearby Kevelaer, according to the design of Professor Anton Wendling, who died in 1965.
Some say that St Aldegundis is on the site of the original mission church in what later became Emmerich am Rhein, founded by St Wilibrord around 700. That is debatable, but what is certain was there was a collegiate foundation in the town by 914 and that a church on this site burnt down in the early 15th Century. The current building was built to replace it between 1449 and 1514.
The tower was originally built, integral to the nave, between 1483 and 1513. It was destroyed in a 1651 fire and not rebuilt until 1719; the church was bombed out in the RAF bombing of 7 October 1944 in which 91% of the buildings in the town were destroyed. Restoration of the nave and choir were finished by 1955 with the tower, whose upper section was substantially lost, following between 1959-67, with the figures on today’s tower carved by Waldemar Kuhn. New stained glass was also commissioned to replace what was damaged in the war.
The church has long been the principal parish church of Emmerich although perhaps inevitably these days it has now been merged with three others in the town (including St Martini) into a single parish.
As for St Aldegundis, usually known in English as St Aldegonde, she was a Frankish Benedictine abbess at Maubeuge who lived ~639-684 and is still venerated in northern France. She was known for feeding the destitute, and for dying of breast cancer, of whose sufferers she is the patron saint.
GMP dismantle drugs operation and seize chemicals
In true ‘Breaking Bad’ style police have uncovered a shipping container full of chemicals in Royton, Oldham.
Dawn raids executed by GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group have revealed a large-scale drugs manufacturing operation in Oldham this morning (Wednesday 1 February), resulting in two men, aged 47 and 49, being arrested on suspicion of production of drugs and money laundering. They remain in police custody for questioning.
Detective Sergeant Alex Brown of GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group said: “Today’s warrants and seizures are another huge step in our crackdown of the illegal drug market, which is heavily linked to exploitation and serious violence.
“The full extent of the operation is still being uncovered by officers at multiple addresses across Greater Manchester.
“Please don’t be alarmed if you see police in protective suits, this is standard procedure to ensure the safety of our officers. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please speak to one of the local officers, they are there to help you.
"As always, we would ask that anyone with information or anyone with concerns to contact us as we work to disrupt serious crime across the region. Intelligence from members of the public continuously helps us with our on-going investigations - no matter how small the information may seem.”
Information can be shared online via our LiveChat facility at www.gmp.police.uk.
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk
In the early hours of Wednesday morning (12 April 2023) Operation Vulcan executed 10 simultaneous warrants at a number of properties across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
A search of the properties resulted in large amounts of suspected class B and class C drugs and approximately £60,000 being seized by Operation Vulcan – supported by Manchester North Neighbourhood Officers and GMP Serious Organised Crime Group - as part of their investigation into the suspected drug distribution and exploitation of minors.
These arrests are the latest in Operation Vulcan, a proactive multi agency approach to tackling to serious organised crime in the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas of Manchester.
Detective Inspector Chris Julien, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers said: “I hope today’s arrests and seizures demonstrate that Operation Vulcan is about much more than seizing counterfeit clothing.
“The sale of drugs and the exploitation of young, vulnerable people is a product of the criminality that has been embedded in the area for decades, and we are absolutely committed to tackling these issues, identifying those who are responsible, and bringing them to justice.
“At its heart, Operation Vulcan is a partnership effort, and whilst enforcement is an important element; real, sustainable change would not be possible without the help of the local community and our dedicated partner agencies. The multi-agency approach Operation Vulcan has adopted allows for maximum intelligence and evidence sharing to make sure every victim is identified early on and safeguarded.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to appeal to members of the public for information. If you’ve noticed any suspicious activity in your area, or you suspect an individual may be being taken advantage of by criminal gangs, please report it. We will act on this information.”
Could you spot a child who is at risk of Child Criminal Exploitation?
Spot the signs of child exploitation: changes in behaviour; not coming home when they say they will or going missing; changes in appearance; reluctant to talk about friends/relationships and becoming secretive; struggling to engage in school; overly protective of their messages/social media; having more than one phone; accompanied by individuals older than them; concerns surrounding the use of alcohol or drugs; sudden changes/fear of people/friends.
If something doesn’t feel right – report it.
Information can be shared online at www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
Travelers, was executed by Deborah Masters in 2007, was installed in Audubon Park in March, 2008 as part of Sculpture for New Orleans.
Audubon Park, bordered by the Mississippi River and St. Charles Avenue, was carved out of the plantations owned by the Foucher and Boré familes in 1871, and initially called Upper City Park. The park is named in honor of artist and naturalist John James Audubon, who began living in New Orleans in 1821. Inside the park, there is a golf course, several lakes, and the 58-acre Audubon Zoo.
In 1884 the World's Industrial and Cotton Exposition, or World Cotton Centennial, celebrating the first shipment of cotton, was held in Audubon Park. The first street car was introduced at the expo, led by motorman/tea baron Thomas Lipton. The Mardi Gras Krewe of Rex arrived at the Expo aboard a yacht, establishing a tradition that survives today. New Orleans was still recovering from the Civil War and Reconstruction, and it was the World's Fair that helped jumpstart development around the city. Most remnants of the Cotton Exposition were demolished or destroyed in the ensuing years and Audubon Park's present form follows a a design drafted by John Charles Olmsted, a principal of the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture practice.
This morning (Tuesday 1 February 2022), we executed warrants at six properties in the Chadderton area.
A 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.
A second 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
A 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.
A 27-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.
A 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.
The warrants were executed as part of Operation Gabel - an investigation into the child sexual exploitation of two teenage girls in 2012/2013.
Inspector Nick Helme, of GMP's Oldham district, said: "This morning's action at several properties in the Chadderton area was a result of just one of a number of ongoing investigations into historic child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester.
"I can assure members of the public and warn offenders that investigating this type of crime is a top priority for the force. Regardless of time passed, dedicated teams in a specialist unit leave no stone unturned whilst gathering evidence to make arrests with the intention of bringing suspects to face justice.
"I hope these warrants build public trust and confidence that Greater Manchester Police is committed to fighting, preventing and reducing CSE to keep people safe and care for victims - giving them the faith they need in the force to come forward.
Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. We offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by telephoning 0161 276 6515.
-Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call us on 0161 273 4500 or email us at help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
Detail of the Baptistry Window, a masterpiece of abstract stained glass designed by John Piper and executed by Patrick Reyntiens.
Coventry's Cathedral is a unique synthesis of old a new, born of wartime suffering and forged in the spirit of postwar optimism, famous for it's history and for being the most radically modern of Anglican cathedrals. Two cathedral's stand side by side, the ruins of the medieval building, destroyed by incendiary bombs in 1940 and the bold new building designed by Basil Spence and opened in 1962.
It is a common misconception that Coventry lost it's first cathedral in the wartime blitz, but the bombs actually destroyed it's second; the original medieval cathedral was the monastic St Mary's, a large cruciform building believed to have been similar in appearance to Lichfield Cathedral (whose diocese it shared). Tragically it became the only English cathedral to be destroyed during the Reformation, after which it was quickly quarried away, leaving only scant fragments, but enough evidence survives to indicate it's rich decoration (some pieces were displayed nearby in the Priory Visitors Centre, sadly since closed). Foundations of it's apse were found during the building of the new cathedral in the 1950s, thus technically three cathedrals share the same site.
The mainly 15th century St Michael's parish church became the seat of the new diocese of Coventry in 1918, and being one of the largest parish churches in the country it was upgraded to cathedral status without structural changes (unlike most 'parish church' cathedrals created in the early 20th century). It lasted in this role a mere 22 years before being burned to the ground in the 1940 Coventry Blitz, leaving only the outer walls and the magnificent tapering tower and spire (the extensive arcades and clerestoreys collapsed completely in the fire, precipitated by the roof reinforcement girders, installed in the Victorian restoration, that buckled in the intense heat).
The determination to rebuild the cathedral in some form was born on the day of the bombing, however it wasn't until the mid 1950s that a competition was held and Sir Basil Spence's design was chosen. Spence had been so moved by experiencing the ruined church he resolved to retain it entirely to serve as a forecourt to the new church. He envisaged the two being linked by a glass screen wall so that the old church would be visible from within the new.
Built between 1957-62 at a right-angle to the ruins, the new cathedral attracted controversy for it's modern form, and yet some modernists argued that it didn't go far enough, after all there are echoes of the Gothic style in the great stone-mullioned windows of the nave and the net vaulting (actually a free-standing canopy) within. What is exceptional is the way art has been used as such an integral part of the building, a watershed moment, revolutionising the concept of religious art in Britain.
Spence employed some of the biggest names in contemporary art to contribute their vision to his; the exterior is adorned with Jacob Epstein's triumphant bronze figures of Archangel Michael (patron of the cathedral) vanquishing the Devil. At the entrance is the remarkable glass wall, engraved by John Hutton with strikingly stylised figures of saints and angels, and allowing the interior of the new to communicate with the ruin. Inside, the great tapestry of Christ in majesty surrounded by the evangelistic creatures, draws the eye beyond the high altar; it was designed by Graham Sutherland and was the largest tapestry ever made.
However one of the greatest features of Coventry is it's wealth of modern stained glass, something Spence resolved to include having witnessed the bleakness of Chartres Cathedral in wartime, all it's stained glass having been removed. The first window encountered on entering is the enormous 'chess-board' baptistry window filled with stunning abstract glass by John Piper & Patrick Reyntiens, a symphony of glowing colour. The staggered nave walls are illuminated by ten narrow floor to ceiling windows filled with semi-abstract symbolic designs arranged in pairs of dominant colours (green, red, multi-coloured, purple/blue and gold) representing the souls journey to maturity, and revealed gradually as one approaches the altar. This amazing project was the work of three designers lead by master glass artist Lawrence Lee of the Royal College of Art along with Keith New and Geoffrey Clarke (each artist designed three of the windows individually and all collaborated on the last).
The cathedral still dazzles the visitor with the boldness of it's vision, but alas, half a century on, it was not a vision to be repeated and few of the churches and cathedrals built since can claim to have embraced the synthesis of art and architecture in the way Basil Spence did at Coventry.
The cathedral is generally open to visitors most days. For more see below:-
The Liechtenstein Garden Palace is a Baroque palace at the Fürstengasse in the 9th District of Vienna, Alsergrund . Between the palace, where the Liechtenstein Museum was until the end of 2011, and executed as Belvedere summer palace on the Alserbachstraße is a park. Since early 2012, the Liechtenstein Garden Palace is a place for events. Part of the private art collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein is still in the gallery rooms of the palace. In 2010 was started to call the palace, to avoid future confusion, officially the Garden Palace, since 2013 the city has renovated the Palais Liechtenstein (Stadtpalais) in Vienna's old town and then also equipped with a part of the Liechtenstein art collection.
Building
Design for the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in 1687/1688
Canaletto: View of Palais Liechtenstein
1687 bought Prince Johann Adam Andreas von Liechtenstein a garden with adjoining meadows of Count Weikhard von Auersperg in the Rossau. In the southern part of the property the prince had built a palace and in the north part he founded a brewery and a manorial, from which developed the suburb Lichtental. For the construction of the palace Johann Adam Andreas organised 1688 a competition, in the inter alia participating, the young Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Meanwhile, a little functional, " permeable " project was rejected by the prince but, after all, instead he was allowed to built a garden in the Belvedere Alserbachstraße 14, which , however, was canceled in 1872.
The competition was won by Domenico Egidio Rossi, but was replaced in 1692 by Domenico Martinelli. The execution of the stonework had been given the royal Hofsteinmetzmeister (master stonemason) Martin Mitschke. He was delivered by the Masters of Kaisersteinbruch Ambrose Ferrethi , Giovanni Battista Passerini and Martin Trumler large pillars, columns and pedestal made from stone Emperor (Kaiserstein). Begin of the contract was the fourth July 1689 , the total cost was around 50,000 guilders.
For contracts from the years 1693 and 1701 undertook the Salzburg master stonemason John and Joseph Pernegger owner for 4,060 guilders the steps of the great grand staircase from Lienbacher (Adnet = red) to supply marble monolith of 4.65 meters. From the Master Nicolaus Wendlinger from Hallein came the Stiegenbalustraden (stair balustrades) for 1,000 guilders.
A palazzo was built in a mix of city and country in the Roman-style villa. The structure is clear and the construction very blocky with a stressed central risalite, what served the conservative tastes of the Prince very much. According to the procedure of the architectural treatise by Johann Adam Andreas ' father, Karl Eusebius, the palace was designed with three floors and 13 windows axis on the main front and seven windows axis on the lateral front. Together with the stems it forms a courtyard .
Sala terrene of the Palais
1700 the shell was completed. In 1702, the Salzburg master stonemason and Georg Andreas Doppler took over 7,005 guilders for the manufacture of door frame made of white marble of Salzburg, 1708 was the delivery of the fireplaces in marble hall for 1,577 guilders. For the painted decoration was originally the Bolognese Marcantonio Franceschini hired, from him are some of the painted ceilings on the first floor. Since he to slow to the prince, Antonio Belucci was hired from Venice, who envisioned the rest of the floor. The ceiling painting in the Great Hall, the Hercules Hall but got Andrea Pozzo . Pozzo in 1708 confirmed the sum of 7,500 florins which he had received since 1704 for the ceiling fresco in the Marble Hall in installments. As these artists died ( Pozzo) or declined to Italy, the Prince now had no painter left for the ground floor.
After a long search finally Michael Rottmayr was hired for the painting of the ground floor - originally a temporary solution, because the prince was of the opinion that only Italian artist buon gusto d'invenzione had. Since Rottmayr was not involved in the original planning, his paintings not quite fit with the stucco. Rottmayr 1708 confirmed the receipt of 7,500 guilders for his fresco work.
Giovanni Giuliani, who designed the sculptural decoration in the window roofing of the main facade, undertook in 1705 to provide sixteen stone vases of Zogelsdorfer stone. From September 1704 to August 1705 Santino Bussi stuccoed the ground floor of the vault of the hall and received a fee of 1,000 florins and twenty buckets of wine. 1706 Bussi adorned the two staircases, the Marble Hall, the Gallery Hall and the remaining six halls of the main projectile with its stucco work for 2,200 florins and twenty buckets of wine. Giuliani received in 1709 for his Kaminbekrönungen (fireplace crowning) of the great room and the vases 1,128 guilders.
Garden
Liechtenstein Palace from the garden
The new summer palace of Henry of Ferstel from the garden
The garden was created in the mind of a classic baroque garden. The vases and statues were carried out according to the plans of Giuseppe Mazza from the local Giovanni Giuliani. In 1820 the garden has been remodeled according to plans of Joseph Kornhäusel in the Classical sense. In the Fürstengasse was opposite the Palais, the Orangerie, built 1700s.
Use as a museum
Already from 1805 to 1938, the palace was housing the family collection of the house of Liechtenstein, which was also open for public viewing, the collection was then transferred to the Principality of Liechtenstein, which remained neutral during the war and was not bombed. In the 1960s and 1970s, the so-called Building Centre was housed in the palace as a tenant, a permanent exhibition for builders of single-family houses and similar buildings. From 26 April 1979 rented the since 1962 housed in the so-called 20er Haus Museum of the 20th Century , a federal museum, the palace as a new main house, the 20er Haus was continued as a branch . Since the start of operations at the Palais, the collection called itself Museum of Modern Art (since 1991 Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation ), the MUMOK in 2001 moved to the newly built museum district.
From 29 March 2004 till the end of 2011 in the Palace was the Liechtenstein Museum, whose collection includes paintings and sculptures from five centuries. The collection is considered one of the largest and most valuable private art collections in the world, whose main base in Vaduz (Liechtenstein) is . As the palace, so too the collection is owned by the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation .
On 15 November 2011 it was announced that the regular museum operating in the Garden Palace was stopped due to short of original expectations, visiting numbers remaining lower as calculated, with January 2012. The Liechtenstein City Palace museum will also not offer regular operations. Exhibited works of art would then (in the city palace from 2013) only during the "Long Night of the Museums", for registered groups and during leased events being visitable. The name of the Liechtenstein Museum will no longer be used.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_Liechtenstein_(F%C3%BCrstengasse)
...for it was right here in this very spot were several of them have been publicly executed by the Nazi regime in November 1944. The young "Pirates" were part of the resistance against Hitler.
The location where I took this photo is right below the railroad station "Köln-Ehrenfeld".
For more information (in German) see here:
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edelwei%C3%9Fpiraten
For more information (in English) see here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edelweiss_Pirates
For more information on the "Ehrenfelder Gruppe" which was part of the "Pirates" see here (in German): de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrenfelder_Gruppe
For more information in English see here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrenfeld_Group
GMP dismantle drugs operation and seize chemicals
In true ‘Breaking Bad’ style police have uncovered a shipping container full of chemicals in Royton, Oldham.
Dawn raids executed by GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group have revealed a large-scale drugs manufacturing operation in Oldham this morning (Wednesday 1 February), resulting in two men, aged 47 and 49, being arrested on suspicion of production of drugs and money laundering. They remain in police custody for questioning.
Detective Sergeant Alex Brown of GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group said: “Today’s warrants and seizures are another huge step in our crackdown of the illegal drug market, which is heavily linked to exploitation and serious violence.
“The full extent of the operation is still being uncovered by officers at multiple addresses across Greater Manchester.
“Please don’t be alarmed if you see police in protective suits, this is standard procedure to ensure the safety of our officers. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please speak to one of the local officers, they are there to help you.
"As always, we would ask that anyone with information or anyone with concerns to contact us as we work to disrupt serious crime across the region. Intelligence from members of the public continuously helps us with our on-going investigations - no matter how small the information may seem.”
Information can be shared online via our LiveChat facility at www.gmp.police.uk.
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 8, 2013) - Marines execute fast-rope techniques out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at a landing zone on Camp Hansen. "It’s important for the Marines to be comfortable with their gear when coming down (the rope),” said Sgt. Gregory J. Dominguez. “In hostile environments, they can’t be scared to come down from the helicopter. They have to be focused.” Dominguez is a machine gun section leader with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. The Marines are with 2nd Bn., 5th Marines, and the helicopter and crew are with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, currently assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, under the UDP. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran)
140108-M-ZH183-007
** Interested in following U.S. Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/pacific.command and twitter.com/PacificCommand and www.pacom.mil/
The painting was executed in Auvers not long before van Gogh's death. He repeated the motif of peasant huts on many occasions: "In my opinion, the most marvellous of all that I know in the sphere of architecture is huts with their roofs of moss-grown straw and a smoky hearth," wrote van Gogh in one of his letters.
The thatched roofs seem to be just as much an organic part of nature as the hills, fields and sky. The hilly relief of the distance allowed the artist to accentuate the dynamics of space, which he reinforced through the use of colour contrasts. The tense, wavy brushstrokes and lines convey the dramatism of the artist's perception of life and the world.
Three men have been arrested after warrants were executed earlier this morning, Thursday 3 December 2020, at addresses in Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham.
The men were arrested on suspicion of firearms and drugs offences.
The arrests took place during raids at addresses in the Heywood, Chadderton, Miles Platting and Blackley of Greater Manchester.
The action forms part of Operation Foam – the GMP strand of the NCA-led Operation Venetic - which has seen law enforcement agencies across the UK join together in order to breakthrough a highly sophisticated encrypted global communication service, which was being used by organised crime groups.
Detective Inspector Ian McNabb of GMP’s Challenger Team, said: “Operation Foam is GMP’s dedicated strand of Operation Venetic, and it’s a mammoth operation that has required hours of complex and sophisticated investigative work.
“GMP is dedicated to ensuring our communities are kept safe and today’s result is another step forward in this mission. Organised criminal activity can not only have a devastating impact on individual lives but it can blight communities and GMP, alongside specialist agencies, will continue to disrupt and dismantle this activity.”
Anyone with information should contact Challenger Manchester on 0161 856 3933 Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
///COMMAND EXECUTED///
///CT-1194///
///STATUS: MIA///
///CT-5415///
///STATUS: KIA///
///C/S-3632-///
::/INCOMING TRANSMISSION::/
/:/This is CT-1194… the artillery base has been bombed… my squad is down… AZ droid eliminated, require backup… additional AZs are on their way... I'm here alone/:/
//:Scrambling gunships now… ETA 5 minutes. Hold out CT-1194//:
/:/GET THEM OVER HERE NOW! FU-/:/
///ERROR///
///TRANSMISSION LOST///
///:ABORTABORTABORTABORT///
___________________
Finally I found some building time. This is for 457th corps Mission 9.2, and please excuse the crappy photo.
This bronze sculptural bust of James Rolph, Jr., was executed in 1936 by sculptor Haig Patigian and installed inside the Polk Street entrance of San Francisco City Hall in 1937. James “Sunny Jim” Rolph, Jr. (1869–1934) served as the 30th Mayor of San Francisco from 1912 to 1931, and as the 27th Governor of California from 1931 to 1934.
San Francisco City Hall, at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, was built from 1913-1915 by architect Arthur Brown, Jr., replacing an building destroyed during the 1906 Earthquake. The vast Beaux-Arts French Renaissance building covers over 500,000 square feet over two full blocks and features the fifth largest dome in the world, rising 301-feet, 5.5-inches from the curb--13-feet, 7¾-inches higher than the U.S. Capitol.
The exterior is made of gray granite from the foothills of the Sierra. The interior is lavishly finished in California marble, Indiana sandstone and Manchurian oak. The dome, owing to Mansart's Les Invalides, has a diameter of 86-feet at its springing line and was originally covered with gold leaf gilded copper, but has since been restored with gold leaf on a special paint. Below the dome is the defining architectural element--the Rotunda and Great staircase, an open stairwell bookended by two-storied loggia on the north and south, extending from the second to the top of the third story and articulated with Giant Corinthian half columns. The stairs lead to the Board of Supervisors chamber, and opposite it is the office of the Mayor.
President Warren G. Harding lay in state at City Hall after dying of a heart attack at the Palace Hotel in 1923. Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were married at City Hall in 1954. Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated there in 1978, by former Supervisor Dan White. The Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 damaged the structure, and twisted the dome four inches (102 mm) on its base. Afterwards work was undertaken to render City Hall earthquake resistant through a base isolation system.
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
One of many absurdities executed in our country with the historical heritage: the long promised but never opened railway museum in the place of El Clot del Moro. The lack of political commitment, and personnel mismanagement on the part of its director, was for many years preserved vehicles were abandoned in the open and subject to the effects of the harsh climate of the pre-Pyrenees.
In this picture you can see a cabin of the cable car of St. Jeroni, in Montserrat; a former Barcelona fire truck; behind him diesel railcar type "Zaragoza" (Wismar), modified; to the left a bus covered with a tarp ... (Photo scanned from an original paper).
___________________________________________________________________________
Uno de tantos despropósitos ejecutados en nuestro país con el patrimonio histórico: el siempre prometido, pero nunca abierto, museo del ferrocarril en el paraje del Clot del Moro. La falta de compromiso político, y una pésima gestión personal por parte de su director, llevó a que durante muchos años los vehículos preservados fueran abandonados a la intemperie y sometidos a los efectos del duro clima del pre-Pirineo.
En esta foto se pueden ver una cabina del teleférico de Sant Jeroni, en Montserrat; un antiguo camión de bomberos de Barcelona; detrás suyo un automotor diésel tipo "Zaragoza" (Wismar) modificado; a la izquierda un autobús tapado con una lona... (Foto escaneada de un original de papel).
In the early hours of Wednesday morning (12 April 2023) Operation Vulcan executed 10 simultaneous warrants at a number of properties across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
A search of the properties resulted in large amounts of suspected class B and class C drugs and approximately £60,000 being seized by Operation Vulcan – supported by Manchester North Neighbourhood Officers and GMP Serious Organised Crime Group - as part of their investigation into the suspected drug distribution and exploitation of minors.
These arrests are the latest in Operation Vulcan, a proactive multi agency approach to tackling to serious organised crime in the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas of Manchester.
Detective Inspector Chris Julien, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers said: “I hope today’s arrests and seizures demonstrate that Operation Vulcan is about much more than seizing counterfeit clothing.
“The sale of drugs and the exploitation of young, vulnerable people is a product of the criminality that has been embedded in the area for decades, and we are absolutely committed to tackling these issues, identifying those who are responsible, and bringing them to justice.
“At its heart, Operation Vulcan is a partnership effort, and whilst enforcement is an important element; real, sustainable change would not be possible without the help of the local community and our dedicated partner agencies. The multi-agency approach Operation Vulcan has adopted allows for maximum intelligence and evidence sharing to make sure every victim is identified early on and safeguarded.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to appeal to members of the public for information. If you’ve noticed any suspicious activity in your area, or you suspect an individual may be being taken advantage of by criminal gangs, please report it. We will act on this information.”
Could you spot a child who is at risk of Child Criminal Exploitation?
Spot the signs of child exploitation: changes in behaviour; not coming home when they say they will or going missing; changes in appearance; reluctant to talk about friends/relationships and becoming secretive; struggling to engage in school; overly protective of their messages/social media; having more than one phone; accompanied by individuals older than them; concerns surrounding the use of alcohol or drugs; sudden changes/fear of people/friends.
If something doesn’t feel right – report it.
Information can be shared online at www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
I feel it's time for something slightly darker after bokeh flowers and Santa Claus. I've been away for a while, moving to a new house, but we have the internet again, so will try to comment and visit people soon! I'll also upload more pics soon too.
This one is an edit of a shot I took of the noose used to execute prisoners in Freemantle prison, western Australia. More of an experiment with layers really.
[Edit. Hmm, I'm not too sure about this one anymore, I did a bit of a rush job on it - was more of a prototype really....Anyone got any ideas?]
In Front Royal, Virginia, a cemetery at a place called Prospect Hill includes this memorial. A mile or so away, at the visitor center in town, a colorful sign bears the story of how seven prisoners of war were executed publicly by being shot and hanged by Union troops.
One of the prisoners shot in the street was a seventeen-year-old boy who had borrowed a neighbor's horse, that day, and joined the war effort.
Pioneer Mother was executed by Alexander Phimister Proctor in 1927. This grouping of figures--mother and baby riding a pack animal, father walking beside--has been used by artists for centuries but to represent a biblical theme: The Holy Family's flight into Egypt. Proctor called this sculpture "my tribute to the women who gave themselves and their lives to the making of this great West."
The Denver Art Museum, a private, non-profit museum, is known for its collection of American Indian art. Its impressive collection of more than 68,000 works includes pieces from around the world including modern and contemporary art, European and American painting and sculpture, and pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial art. The museum was originally founded in 1893 as the Denver Artists Club. In 1918, it moved into galleries in the Denver City and County Building, and became the Denver Art Museum.
In 1971, the museum opened what is now known as the North Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and Denver-based James Sudler Associates. The seven-story structure, 210,000-square-foot building allowed the museum to display its collections under one roof for the first time. The Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and Denver firm Davis Partnership Architects, opened on October 7, 2006 to accommodate the Denver Art Museum's growing collections and programs.
Operation Vulcan executed their latest warrant yesterday (3 May 2023) at a property on Great Ducie Street in Cheetham Hill.
The warrant was carried out after intelligence came to light suggesting the property - a large distribution warehouse - was being used to supply a network of counterfeit stores throughout Cheetham Hill.
The number of items seized have an estimated worth of £1.2million pounds.
The enterprise was so vast officers made use of a conveyor belt to speed up the transfer of seized items into waiting vehicles.
Over the last 6 months through relentless policing and support from dedicated partners, Operation Vulcan has turned the tide against the criminals. The support of partners has been integral to Operation Vulcan and that was on full display yesterday (3 May 2023) with over 15 departments, teams, organisations and partner representatives in attendance - including from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Intellectual Property Office, Trading Standards, Brand Experts and Border Force.
GMFRS also raised concerns about the safety of the building, which led to it being issued it with a prohibition order.
Inspector Andy Torkington said: "The network of counterfeit stores in Cheetham Hill might seem chaotic and disorganised but this is far from the truth. The latest warrant demonstrates that these stores are well funded and well supplied and it's big business for organised crime groups who have been operating out of the area.
"This warrant is an opportunity to make a huge dent in the supply chain by cutting off the head of the supply snake. I hope it sends a message to any remaining counterfeit stores in the area who persist in trading to pack up now or face the consequences.
"Operation Vulcan is here to stay and we will continue making it unsustainable for criminal businesses to exist here and will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to re-build the area into a thriving community where people feel safe.”
Neil Fairlamb, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council said: "The work that has taken place throughout Operation Vulcan has shown the scope and scale of the counterfeit industry. It is huge enterprise, one which has had an incredibly negative impact on our communities. By striking a blow against this criminal supply chain we will succeed in forcing these traders out for good."
The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: The Intellectual Property Office’s Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement, Marcus Evans said: “Criminal networks are seeking to exploit consumers and communities for their own financial gain through the trade in illegal counterfeits – with absolutely no regard for the quality or safety of the items being sold, which are often dangerous and defective. Such items can cause genuine harm to the people who buy and use them, as well as those workers often exploited during their production.
“As well as helping to sustain serious and organised crime, the sale of counterfeit goods has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job loses each year in the UK by diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals. We are pleased to support the ongoing activity by Greater Manchester Police to clamp down on this illegal activity and help protect the public, as we continue to work with partners across in industry, local government, and law enforcement to help empower consumers and raise awareness of the damage these goods cause.”
Detail of the Baptistry Window, a masterpiece of abstract stained glass designed by John Piper and executed by Patrick Reyntiens.
Coventry's Cathedral is a unique synthesis of old a new, born of wartime suffering and forged in the spirit of postwar optimism, famous for it's history and for being the most radically modern of Anglican cathedrals. Two cathedral's stand side by side, the ruins of the medieval building, destroyed by incendiary bombs in 1940 and the bold new building designed by Basil Spence and opened in 1962.
It is a common misconception that Coventry lost it's first cathedral in the wartime blitz, but the bombs actually destroyed it's second; the original medieval cathedral was the monastic St Mary's, a large cruciform building believed to have been similar in appearance to Lichfield Cathedral (whose diocese it shared). Tragically it became the only English cathedral to be destroyed during the Reformation, after which it was quickly quarried away, leaving only scant fragments, but enough evidence survives to indicate it's rich decoration (some pieces were displayed nearby in the Priory Visitors Centre, sadly since closed). Foundations of it's apse were found during the building of the new cathedral in the 1950s, thus technically three cathedrals share the same site.
The mainly 15th century St Michael's parish church became the seat of the new diocese of Coventry in 1918, and being one of the largest parish churches in the country it was upgraded to cathedral status without structural changes (unlike most 'parish church' cathedrals created in the early 20th century). It lasted in this role a mere 22 years before being burned to the ground in the 1940 Coventry Blitz, leaving only the outer walls and the magnificent tapering tower and spire (the extensive arcades and clerestoreys collapsed completely in the fire, precipitated by the roof reinforcement girders, installed in the Victorian restoration, that buckled in the intense heat).
The determination to rebuild the cathedral in some form was born on the day of the bombing, however it wasn't until the mid 1950s that a competition was held and Sir Basil Spence's design was chosen. Spence had been so moved by experiencing the ruined church he resolved to retain it entirely to serve as a forecourt to the new church. He envisaged the two being linked by a glass screen wall so that the old church would be visible from within the new.
Built between 1957-62 at a right-angle to the ruins, the new cathedral attracted controversy for it's modern form, and yet some modernists argued that it didn't go far enough, after all there are echoes of the Gothic style in the great stone-mullioned windows of the nave and the net vaulting (actually a free-standing canopy) within. What is exceptional is the way art has been used as such an integral part of the building, a watershed moment, revolutionising the concept of religious art in Britain.
Spence employed some of the biggest names in contemporary art to contribute their vision to his; the exterior is adorned with Jacob Epstein's triumphant bronze figures of Archangel Michael (patron of the cathedral) vanquishing the Devil. At the entrance is the remarkable glass wall, engraved by John Hutton with strikingly stylised figures of saints and angels, and allowing the interior of the new to communicate with the ruin. Inside, the great tapestry of Christ in majesty surrounded by the evangelistic creatures, draws the eye beyond the high altar; it was designed by Graham Sutherland and was the largest tapestry ever made.
However one of the greatest features of Coventry is it's wealth of modern stained glass, something Spence resolved to include having witnessed the bleakness of Chartres Cathedral in wartime, all it's stained glass having been removed. The first window encountered on entering is the enormous 'chess-board' baptistry window filled with stunning abstract glass by John Piper & Patrick Reyntiens, a symphony of glowing colour. The staggered nave walls are illuminated by ten narrow floor to ceiling windows filled with semi-abstract symbolic designs arranged in pairs of dominant colours (green, red, multi-coloured, purple/blue and gold) representing the souls journey to maturity, and revealed gradually as one approaches the altar. This amazing project was the work of three designers lead by master glass artist Lawrence Lee of the Royal College of Art along with Keith New and Geoffrey Clarke (each artist designed three of the windows individually and all collaborated on the last).
The cathedral still dazzles the visitor with the boldness of it's vision, but alas, half a century on, it was not a vision to be repeated and few of the churches and cathedrals built since can claim to have embraced the synthesis of art and architecture in the way Basil Spence did at Coventry.
The cathedral is generally open to visitors most days. For more see below:-
A beautifully executed crochet project, this entry at the Arizona State Fair was obviously intended to be a Christmas afghan. If you crochet, you can see in the large view that this artist is technically superb in her craft.
Carlin 'El Asesino" in the process of ruthlessly executing two underbosses of a local gang who tried to interfere with her business. They are bound and on their knees before her.
"You should have heeded my warning but now you have to pay the price of yours and your boss's stupidity. Do you know what I am called by the cartels? - "El Asesino" and now you learn why. I will make it quick unlike your boss but you go knowing the last thing you see will be me. .She shots both in the head. "Dispose of these bodies guys"
Talaat Harb Street
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As a reprisal for an action by the Resistance, 29 prisoners from the Detention Center on the Weteringschans were transferred to this location by the occupying forces and executed without any form of trial in the early morning of October 29, 1944.
Choreography executed to perfection is a fundamental part of Madonna, and she didn't fail to deliver for Like a Prayer on her Sticky & Sweet Tour, 2009.
See the Concert Slideshow, or View On Black
UTAPAO, THAILAND (Feb. 19, 2017) - Service members from the U.S., Thailand, and Malaysia guard the processing center for a noncombatant evacuation operation, as part of Cobra Gold 17 at Naval Airbase Utapao. The drill was conducted to exercise joint, multinational cooperation during disaster relief. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. U.S., Thai, Malaysian and Japanese forces participated in the disaster relief drill. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Tran) 170219-M-ZI433-006
** Interested in following U.S. Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/pacific.command and twitter.com/PacificCommand and www.pacom.mil/
The prisoners could be executed for a range of infringements or even no infringement.
Illustration in Behind Bamboo by Rohan Rivett 1946.
Rohan Rivett (1917-1977), was an Australian war correspondent based in Malaya covering the Japanese advance in WW2. Following the fall of Singapore in 1942, he escaped in a ship which was subsequently attacked and sunk by the Japanese. With some companions he trekked through the jungle, and while attempting to escape by canoe was captured by the Japanese and sent to three and a half years of ‘hell’ in captivity in Burma, working on the ‘Burma railway’, and elsewhere. Finally freed in 1945 he wrote this explicit account of the cruelty and depravity of the Japanese forces and his great respect for the spirit of the Australian, British and American soldiers and the Burmese captives.
Published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney. Cream boards with illustrated jacket. 400 pages, 15cm x 22cm. First edition with illustrations by Flip Relf and Jack Chalker.
More on Rohan Rivett:
Florida Av, Peaks Island, Portland, Maine in Casco Bay USA • Beautifully conceived and executed Occupy Wall Street themed graffiti at Battery Steele (1942), also known as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Battery Construction #102, a United States military fortification, completed in 1942 as part of World War II, it is located on 14 acres (5.7 ha) on the oceanside area of the island. It is named for Harry Lee Steele, who was a coastal artillery officer during World War I. It was built to protect Casco Bay, particularly Portland harbor, from Kennebunk to Popham Beach in Phippsburg. – from Wikipedia. ~ It's now one of thirteen island parcels owned and managed by the Peaks Island Land Preserve.
• Portland and the other harbors of southern Maine were terribly important ports. Civil War forts still dotted the islands around these harbors, but Portland now needed far more advanced fortifications to protect it from German attack.
So Peaks Island became home to over eight hundred soldiers. Concrete bunkers and observation posts are everywhere. On the far side of the Island are two huge abandoned gun turrets separated by several hundred feet of underground tunnel. Each held a monster 16-inch naval gun. The guns were test-fired only once. Their blasts broke windows all over the island and the recoil, transmitted through rock, caused small earthquakes. After the war, an Islander ran into a German U-boat captain who said he'd spent the war looking at Peaks Island -- through a periscope. … Invasive bittersweet vines, once planted as camouflage, now grow over that history. – From a report of a visit to the Island by John H. Lienhard.
☞ On October 20, 2005, the National Park Service added this structure and site to the National Register of Historic Places (#05001176).
• GeoHack: 43°39′32″N 70°10′50″W.
The Sanctury of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church features three beautiful 1880s Ferguson and Urie stained glass windows; Faith on the left, Charity in the middle and Hope on the right. All are executed in iridescent reds, yellows, greens and blues, to reflect the colour palate used in other Ferguson and Urie windows elsewhere around the church.
Built on the crest of a hill in a prominent position overlooking St Kilda and the bay is the grand St Kilda Presbyterian Church.
The St Kilda Presbyterian Church's interior is cool, spacious and lofty, with high ceilings of tongue and groove boards laid diagonally, and a large apse whose ceiling was once painted with golden star stenciling. The bluestone walls are so thick that the sounds of the busy intersection of Barkley Street and Alma Road barely permeate the church's interior, and it is easy to forget that you are in such a noisy inner Melbourne suburb. The cedar pews of the church are divided by two grand aisles which feature tall cast iron columns with Corinthian capitals. At the rear of the building towards Alma Road there are twin porches and a narthex with a staircase that leads to the rear gallery where the choir sang from. It apparently once housed an organ by William Anderson, but the space today is used as an office and Bible study area. The current impressive Fincham and Hobday organ from 1892 sits in the north-east corner of the church. It cost £1030.00 to acquire and install. The church is flooded with light, even on an overcast day with a powerful thunder storm brewing (as the weather was on my visit). The reason for such light is because of the very large Gothic windows, many of which are filled with quarry glass by Ferguson and Urie featuring geometric tracery with coloured borders. The church also features stained glass windows designed by Ferguson and Urie, including the impressive rose window, British stained glass artist Ernest Richard Suffling, Brooks, Robinson and Company Glass Merchants, Mathieson and Gibson of Melbourne and one by Australian stained glass artist Napier Waller.
Opened in 1886, the St Kilda Presbyterian church was designed by the architects firm of Wilson and Beswicke, a business founded in 1881 by Ralph Wilson and John Beswicke (1847 - 1925) when they became partners for a short period. The church is constructed of bluestone with freestone dressings and designed in typical Victorian Gothic style. The foundation stone, which may be found on the Alma Road facade, was laid by the Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Barkly on 27 January. When it was built, the St Kilda Presbyterian Church was surrounded by large properties with grand mansions built upon them, so the congregation were largely very affluent and wished for a place of worship that reflected its stature not only in location atop a hill, but in size and grandeur.
The exterior facades of the church on Barkley Street and Alma Road are dominated by a magnificent tower topped by an imposing tower. The location of the church and the height of the tower made the spire a landmark for mariners sailing into Melbourne's port. The tower features corner pinnacles and round spaces for the insertion of a clock, which never took place. Common Victorian Gothic architectural features of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church include complex bar tracery over the windows, wall buttresses which identify structural bays, gabled roof vents, parapeted gables and excellent stone masonry across the entire structure.
I am very grateful to the Reverend Paul Lee for allowing me the opportunity to photograph the interior of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church so extensively.
The architects Wilson and Beswicke were also responsible for the Brighton, Dandenong, Essendon, Hawthorn and Malvern Town Halls and the Brisbane Wesleyan Church on the corner of Albert and Ann Streets. They also designed shops in the inner Melbourne suburbs of Auburn and Fitzroy. They also designed several individual houses, including "Tudor House" in Williamstown, "Tudor Lodge" in Hawthorn and "Rotha" in Hawthorn, the latter of which is where John Beswicke lived.
The stained glass firm of Ferguson and Urie was established by Scots James Ferguson (1818 – 1894), James Urie (1828 – 1890) and John Lamb Lyon (1836 – 1916). They were the first known makers of stained glass in Australia. Until the early 1860s, window glass in Melbourne had been clear or plain coloured, and nearly all was imported, but new churches and elaborate buildings created a demand for pictorial windows. The three Scotsmen set up Ferguson and Urie in 1862 and the business thrived until 1899, when it ceased operation, with only John Lamb Lyon left alive. Ferguson and Urie was the most successful Nineteenth Century Australian stained glass window making company. Among their earliest works were a Shakespeare window for the Haymarket Theatre in Bourke Street, a memorial window to Prince Albert in Holy Trinity, Kew, and a set of Apostles for the West Melbourne Presbyterian Church. Their palatial Gothic Revival office building stood at 283 Collins Street from 1875. Ironically, their last major commission, a window depicting “labour”, was installed in the old Melbourne Stock Exchange in Collins Street in 1893 on the eve of the bank crash. Their windows can be found throughout the older suburbs of Melbourne and across provincial Victoria.