Striking stairs

Down the stone steps, past the bus stop to nowhere, before idyllic peace is shattered by traffic – heralded by passing through a gloomy passage in an unprepossessing block of flats – there are two striking staircases that I'd like to know more about. They are both, I believe, fire escapes for the St Peter's House flats. And while the flats themselves are nothing special to look at, I love the clean lines, bold design and chunky proportions of the stairs. Here's a picture taken on my phone, and a link to a rather better, dramatic photo by Derek Rigg.

Sunday snippets

Good evening all, on this rainy Sunday evening. I've lots to update my blog with – trips to France and Switzerland, thoughts on some films, exhibitions and concerts, even some photos. But for now some superb and strange assorted facts to amuse you:

Did you know?

1. Beijing is the same size as Belgium in terms of area. 

2. When Bristol's iconic Clifton suspension bridge was built, it was going to be Egyptian themed. One suggestion to help complete the look was to transform the Avon Gorge into the Nile by hanging a painted curtain from the bridge. (Thanks to Shipshape magazine for this gem.)

3. There are only four bridges in the world fully lined with shops on both sides. (I'm not sure I believe this fact myself.) They are: Pulteney Bridge, Bath; the Ponte Vecchio, Florence; the Rialto Bridge, Venice and the Covered Bridge, Lovech in Bulgaria.