Balmain high street in the late afternoon sun. Balmain used to be a heavy industrial coal mining suburb not that long ago - the coal mine was still operating up until the 1930s. It also had shipyard docks and in 1891 the Australian Labor party held their first meeting in Balmain's Unity Hall Hotel. A former Labor Premier of New South Wales, Neville Wran, who grew up in Balmain, famously said "Balmain boys don't cry". It was working class and had a reputation for being rough.
These days it is an elegant, gentrified harbour suburb whose pretty Victorian terraces sell for several millions. The coal mine has closed and the high street is full of boutiques, eateries and interior design shops. I can't say that I mind! I think the Balmain of old would have been a place to avoid by the sounds of it.
Did you know...Shadow Shot Sunday is a superb meme set up by Trcay of Hey Harriet fame! It is open to all - all you have to do is read the instructions here!
Happy Sunday!
I'd say elegant, too! It seems that in the old days, even the city warehouses had a bit of architectural flair to them. Utility and style weren't exclusive. This is a lovely neighborhood!
Posted by: Ralph | November 28, 2010 at 09:07 AM
It hardly sounds like it used to be the rough side of town now! What lovely arcitecture. Have a good week ahead Sam!
(Boy did I have a hard time posting a comment last week here. Finally it worked though.)
Posted by: Cassie (from farrr N.idaho) | November 28, 2010 at 10:47 AM
That's a pretty building. Interesting how places change.
Posted by: Sarah | November 28, 2010 at 10:49 AM
I didn't know that about Balmain so it was fun to learn about the suburb. Whenever I hear the name Balmain I think of football. I'm not sure why though! My brother is a big footy fan so perhaps he supports a team from Balmain or something and that's why I relate the two things.
I hope you have an awesome week ahead Sam! Gosh Christmas is so close I can smell those delicious holidays now! Or maybe it's the gingerbread houses I can smell. Everything smells good during the silly season :)
Posted by: Tracy | November 28, 2010 at 06:25 PM
I haven't been to Balmain. Little pockets of cities go through so much change. I like the little history to go with the photo :)
Posted by: ondressingup | November 28, 2010 at 07:43 PM
what history this picture holds...beautiful...thanks for sharing sam!!!
Posted by: robin | November 29, 2010 at 03:55 AM
Blue sky. Lovely building. Very nice!
Posted by: wanderlust | November 29, 2010 at 02:12 PM
SHADOW-CHASER
Chasing shadows here and there,
Chasing shadows everywhere;
Chasing shadows in the park;
Chasing shadows long past dark;
Chasing shadows through the light;
Chasing shadows day and night—
Shadow-chaser, don’t you see?
Shadows were just meant to be!
© 2010 by Magical Mystical Teacher
http://magicalmysticalteacher.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/window-shadows/
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | November 29, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Hello Girl,
As usual, am late again. So much work here. Hardly see me early at home.
Anyways, this area looks very English.
Have a happy SS and week ahead.
hugs,
/chie
Posted by: chie | November 30, 2010 at 07:03 AM