The Twilight Zone

I spent this afternoon at Manchester Town Hall.

Coming out, I was really struck by the light. It's been grey all day, but the twilight felt strangely translucent. There was a mizzle in the air, and it was almost as if the light could not escape into the sky but was being reflected back.

There is a painting in the City Art Gallery of Albert Square, by Valette, which I have always liked.  It is really atmospheric. The light today brought that to mind - of course, an i-phone blip cannot do it justice, but I still like it. 

Valette's Manchester was not one which celebrated the Chinese New Year. Modern Manchester is preparing for the Year of the Rooster with it's usual enthusiasm. Lanterns are appearing all over town.

A 19th century painter would not recognise the Manchester in the extra. But the light and the moisture in the air and on the pavements made for quite an arresting scene.