The Industrial Skeletons Of Hackney Art Print

The Industrial Skeletons of Hackney

On the train while passing over Regent's canal through the gritty back lanes of Hackney, I have always gazed in wonder at these mammoth ghostly gas holders that dominate the skyline looking specially magical at sunset.

In the 200 years that the UK has been using gas power, the country has got used to the distinctive sight of "gasometers". These gas holders have stored coal gas (town gas) and later natural gas for the UK's urban areas, but now all but a handful are obsolete. These industrial iconic structures are at a risk of demolition.

Though they are now defunct, it's undeniable that they continue to play a part in British culture. For artists they have a dystopian edge. Making for gritty backdrops in shows like Luther. As well as the uniqueness of their outline, the gas holders are a testament to Britain's role in creating the Industrial Revolution.

Today we can see a sort of revival, trying to make gasholders hip. There is a 'Gasholder park' at King's Cross. Apartments built within these metal frames are selling at premium and frankly exorbitant prices. But then again, who would not love living within a part of Britain's industrial history.

Sold unframed.