‘Unique to Hull’: River bridges to be celebrated in Heritage Open Days exhibition

FUTURISTIC: Stoneferry Bridge. Pictures by Richard Duffy-Howard

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

An online celebration of the city’s river bridges will be held as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Hull’s River Bridges is the latest instalment of the Open Bridges project by Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard, and explores the history of the bridges with previously unpublished original architectural plans, historical and contemporary photography and art, along with personal memories and stories.

There are 13 bridges over the River Hull as it meanders its way through the city to the Humber, and all – whether road, rail or foot, swing, or bascule – open to permit the passage of vessels. No other city in the world has bridges that all open over such a short distance of navigable river.

ARTFUL ENGINEERING: Inside Sutton Road Bridge

Open Bridges made history in 2017 when, for the first time, all 13 bridges over the river were raised, swung or closed simultaneously, splitting the city in two, to explore the notion of freedom and experience a freedom withheld.

Announcing Hull’s River Bridges, Richard said: “The bridges that span the river connecting the east with the west are integral to the city’s heritage and culture. For our new project, the online galleries of previously unseen images and untold stories, along with unfolding daily posts throughout the festival, will not only celebrate the history and architecture of the bridges but the unique place they hold in the city’s collective psyche.

“You’ll be able to see images from inside bridges and restored original bridge plans and diagrams along with rare and previously unpublished photographs, and historic aerial views and maps.”

HIGH AND MIGHTY: Sutton Road Bridge

He added: “We’re excited to announce that the exhibition features contributions from writers and artists including Joseph Cox, Andy Hazell, Jack Pell, Michael Pinsky, Gary Saunt, John Stead, Angus Young, Syd Young and The Broken Orchestra, who have all been inspired by the bridges over the River Hull.”

The latest Open Bridges project follows on from A River Full of Stories, an on-going oral history project gathering memories of life and work on and around the River Hull.

Lou said: “We are delighted that since we first started Open Bridges in 2017 it has continued to develop and grow. It has been a privilege to meet so many people with fascinating knowledge and memories and to be able to preserve and share their stories and experiences through the project.”

BARING ITS TEETH: The inner workings of Wilmington Bridge

The theme of this year’s Heritage Open Days is Architecture: Buildings, Bridges and Beehives.

Hull’s River Bridges is a free online exhibition and will run from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 21. You can access it via www.openbridgeshull.com.