It began on an aimless walk out of Wigan on through Frimley, I found heaven on earth in the warm enfolding arms of the Washeteria. A perfectly preserved fascia, interior and machines, more by diffident neglect than good management. Signature wood effect and patterned Formica panelling, over earnest signs demanding the highest standards of personal … Continue reading eight laundrettes
Having made my name as the #1 laundrette snapper in the land with my runaway sell-out publication eight laundrettes. I continue to casually record the typology should the occasion arise. Last Tuesday afternoon returning from Hessle on the 56 bus, I caught sight of the REX. So I was duty bound to return on the … Continue reading REX Launderette Hull #1
318 Slade Lane Levenshulme Manchester M19 2BY Following a brief interregnum we’re back in the soapy study world of the local launderette. One of many Rex operations – including those which I visited in Hull and Hull. I am of course nationally and internationally renowned as Rex Launderette – author of the multi-ward winning eight … Continue reading Rex Launderette
We have entered a new age – the age of the A6 based computer generated A4 Blu-Tack attached laminated print out. An informal typography for the age of informality – long gone the etched plastic, hand rendered fascia days of yore. This is now one of many launderama dramas – my sole intent to record … Continue reading Suds Laundrette – Levenshulme
75 Manchester Rd Denton Manchester M34 2AF Not unusually, whilst on my way somewhere else, quite by chance, I came upon The Clean Scene. Sadly soon to be CLOSSING DOWN. Pleas such as: Are you open Christmas Eve I need the dryers – will from hereon in remained unanswered. Having almost abandoned the wet and … Continue reading The Clean Scene – Denton
27 Macklin St Derby DE1 1LE I had wandered along the road in search of a hotel that wasn’t there and found a launderette that was. The Pennine was almost gone. The launderette was empty and offered an oasis of oddity in an otherwise predictable day. There is always a mild sense of trepidation, entering … Continue reading Macklin Street Launderette – Derby
I was walking away from the town centre along London Road, killing time. It was the day of the Modernist’s Stoke Walk, I was as ever early for my assignment. So following my pie, chips, peas and gravy at Jay’s Café I took a look along the way. Arrested by the fascia of the Launderette … Continue reading Stoke Launderette
I had completed my journey from Weston super Mare, with a final day’s cycle ride from Eastbourne and had two days to spare. So I took some time to have a mooch around and this dear readers is what I did see. I have snapped the seafront shelters previously and put together one post after … Continue reading Hastings 2015
Whilst walking down Beverley Road I caught sight of of you out of the corner of my eye – my left eye. My beautiful laundrette: In this damn country, which we hate and love, you can get anything you want, it’s all spread out and available. That’s why I believe in England. Set back slightly from the road and … Continue reading Launderette – Hull
Wake up Steve put the mini-kettle on! Get down for breakfast – I personally regret the untimely passing of fried bread and the appearance of the so-called hash brown. Originally, the full name of the dish was hashed brown potatoes or hashed browned potatoes, of which the first known mention is by American food author Maria … Continue reading Dartmouth to Exmouth
We awoke, we dawdled around Deal, prior to our delightful breakfast. Though the pier appeared to be closed. Extending elegantly over a still, still sea. The present pier, designed by Sir W. Halcrow & Partners, was opened on 19 November 1957 by the Duke of Edinburgh. Constructed predominantly from concrete-clad steel, it is 1,026 ft in length – a notice … Continue reading Deal To Margate
When is a washtub not a washtub – self evidently when it doesn’t wash. This is the land of the decommissioned washer – cash box removed, unrepurposed, demure and decorative yet sadly redundant. This is a dry only facility its surfaces inert, frozen in time, its sign declaiming pointless imperatives to nobody in particular. Worn … Continue reading The Wash Tub Levenshulme – Manchester
Having been to REX Launderette #1 – seemed rude not to visit REX Launderette #2. It’s a ways up the road on foot and then you can jump the bus back. Give it a go!
14 Matthews Lane Manchester M19 3DS It’s been quite a while – following a spate there has been an abatement. Time was I couldn’t pass a coin-op operation without snapping. It all began in a Wigan Washeteria one thing lead to another then another. I was all washed up, rinsed and spun out – I … Continue reading Launderette – Levenshulme
Day four Thursday 4th September 2014 – leaving Clacton on Sea for Frinton on Sea is the equivalent of crossing continents, time zones, aesthetic and social sensibilities. Leaving the razzle-dazzle, frantic fish and chip frazzle, for the sedate repose of germ free Frinton. Green sward and restrained modernist shelters adorn the foreshore. I love the … Continue reading Clacton to Great Yarmouth
Well it seems that I had already cycled from Hull to Scarborough, so it must be time to head for Redcar. Leaving Scarborough by the Cinder Track under the expert guidance of Mr Ben Vickers. This was the site of the Gallows Close Goods Yard. Formerly the Scarbough to Whitby Railway – the line opened … Continue reading Scarborough to Redcar
Whilst cycling twixt Redcar and Newcastle one sunny Monday morn, I espied a tower on the distant horizon. I pedalled hurriedly along and this is what I found. Dawson House aka Kingsway. A fifteen-storey circular tower block of 60 one-bedroom flats and 29 two-bedroom flats, making 89 dwellings in total. The block was built as … Continue reading Billingham
Although there is evidence in the local area of occupation since the Iron Age, it was still a small village until the 19th century when it became a seaside resort, and was connected with local towns and cities by a railway, and two piers were built. The growth continued until the second half of the 20th century, … Continue reading Weston super Mare
Today Monday 27th July 2015 – leaving Ilfracombe the royal we head south along the Tarka Trail, giving Cornwall a swerve. Though first we feast on a slightly out of focus fry up at the digs. Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic … Continue reading Ilfracombe to Okehampton
When walking the streets of Welshpool, one often finds oneself outside. Outside a launderette. I paused. The porch was decorated by the most enchanting mosaic, Vickery and Co. Hosiers, Hatters and Outfitters. Politely, ever so politely, I asked the two local lads if they would step aside from their porch perch one moment, I snapped. And … Continue reading Laundrette – Welshpool
modernmooch.com 