Drainpipes Collection

Teddy Boys - Bopping away at the Fforchneol Arms, Brynmair Road, Godreaman, near Mountain Ash are Teddy Boys - Left to right - Bobby Thomas, aged 27 of John Street, Abercomboi

Teddy boy Jeff Jenkins (left), known as Jinx, with fellow Teds (from left) Bobby Thomas (Rocky), Michael Gough (Guff) and Tony Collins (Zak) and one of their Tedmobiles, a Pontiac Parisienne

Teddy Boys - Dressed in their gear - left to right - John Roberts, of Maerdy; Brian Davies, of Maerdy; Meirion Mush Williams, of Ystrad; Rob Jailhouse George; Alwyn Phillips

Buildings / Plumber 1827
The original occupation of plumbing, which involved melting lead into drainpipes etc. Date: 1827

Woman filling kettle from outdoor tap, Newhaven, Sussex
A woman filling a kettle from an outdoor tap at Newhaven, East Sussex. Date: 1920s

Lead downspout on wall of ruined 12th century Augustinian priory, Bolton Priory, Bolton Abbey Estate, Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales N.P. North Yorkshire, England, April

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"From Teddy Boys to Plumbing History: Unveiling the Fascinating World of Drainpipes" Step back in time to the vibrant Fforchneol Arms on Brynmair Road, Godreaman, where Teddy Boys bopped away with infectious energy. Meanwhile, in 1827, buildings were adorned with drainpipes that silently carried away water and kept them dry. In Newhaven, Sussex, a woman filled her kettle from an outdoor tap - a simple act that symbolized self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. And there they stood - Jeff Jenkins and his fellow Teds - dressed impeccably in their iconic gear, showcasing rebellion and style. Fast forward to the 1960 Alpine Rally captured by Ken Russell's lens. The adrenaline-pumping race brought together daring drivers who pushed themselves to the limit for victory. Amidst it all was Mrs. Elizabeth Collins at 59 years old; her spirit defying age as she embraced life's adventures. But they can not just relics of history or symbols of rebellion; they have stories etched into their very existence. Bolton Priory stands as a testament to this notion - its ruined walls adorned with lead downspouts that once guided rainwater away from sacred grounds. As we reflect on these moments frozen in time through Ken Russell's photographs from June/July 1955, we realize that even after the party ends, memories linger on. These images capture fleeting glimpses into people's lives - like Mrs. Elizabeth Collins' joyous smile or a woman filling her kettle under sunny skies. Drainpipes may seem mundane at first glance but delve deeper into their significance; you'll uncover tales of resilience and innovation woven within their unassuming forms. They silently serve us while bearing witness to our triumphs and tribulations throughout history. So next time you pass by a humble drainpipe on your daily journey through life, take a moment to appreciate its unsung role in our shared human narrative.