“The climb out of the Avon valley means more locks. There are compensations however; you are getting away from Leamington Spa, for one thing.” The Worst Journey in the Midlands by Sam Llewellyn (1983)
I‘m pretty sure that Sam Llewellyn didn’t mean to be so harsh about Leamington Spa or the locks above the Avon when he quoted the above? Yep, through the 1970’s and early 80’s, he was probably right though.
The Grand Union Canal, or ‘The Cut’, what ever you may call it is steeped in historic happenings, misadventure, revolutions and utter mishcief. From moving coal and smuggling contraband between Birmingham & London to the Industrial revolution and a celebration of nature. It’s all here on this stretch of water.
Peaky Blinders
Seeing how the BBC series ‘Peaky Blinders’ uses the Grand Union in Birmingham to add authenticity and character to the cinematography captures the very essence of how important this canal was in the early days of the 20th century. It was a lifeline, it was the M1 of its day and the only real way of shipping basic goods up and down the country. But there was so much more to this stretch of water than a mere canal.
The Grand Union was a home, a work place, the towpaths of romance, a good spot to dump stolen goods when being chased by the Old Bill. It’s seen its fare share of death too. My grandmothers little brother drowned in there during WW1, he was only 3 years old.
Dads Bravery
This is the canal where my father and grandfather won the Royal Humane Certificate for trying to save a drowning boy. Alas their efforts were in vain. As a child, my Aunty Sybil fell in the canal and died for fourteen minutes; she was fished out of the water by a boatman who thought she was a dog!
Printed on Hahnemühle fine art, gallery grade paper
Hahnemühle’s authentic Fine Art paper is regarded as top of the line. It is often used for exhibitions and limited-edition art prints. All Hahnemühle papers have been certified by independent institutes to be highly resistant to ageing and are vegan, in order to meet the highest requirements.
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Printed on Hahnemühle Printing Paper
Hahnemühle’s authentic Fine Art paper is regarded as top of the line. It is often used for exhibitions and limited-edition art prints. All Hahnemühle papers have been certified by independent institutes to be highly resistant to ageing and are vegan, in order to meet the highest requirements.
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