Bo Pi Liao Heritage buildings with graffiti for Treasure Tuesday

 

Bo Pi Liao, located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan, is a historical and cultural gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich past. This preserved area, known for its well-maintained Qing Dynasty architecture and Japanese colonial influences, stands as a testament to Taipei’s transformation from a trade hub to a modern metropolis. Bo Pi Liao is not only a place of historical significance but also a center for cultural education and artistic expression.

Historical Significance

Bo Pi Liao’s history dates back over 200 years to the Qing Dynasty, when it was a bustling commercial district. The area flourished due to its strategic location along trade routes, serving as a marketplace for merchants and craftsmen. During the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), the district underwent significant changes, with the introduction of new architectural styles and infrastructure developments that blended traditional Chinese and Western influences. Later, during the post-World War II era, Bo Pi Liao saw urbanization, but many of its historical buildings were preserved, allowing future generations to appreciate its unique heritage.

Architectural and Cultural Heritage

One of Bo Pi Liao’s most striking features is its architecture. The buildings, constructed using red bricks, wooden beams, and stone carvings, reflect a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Western architectural styles. The narrow alleys, arched corridors, and preserved shopfronts transport visitors back in time, showcasing Taipei’s commercial history.

Bo Pi Liao is also home to the Heritage and Culture Education Center of Taipei, which provides exhibits and interactive displays about the city’s history. Through these exhibits, visitors can learn about Taipei’s evolution from a traditional market town to a modern urban center. The area often hosts cultural events, including art exhibitions, traditional performances, and educational workshops, further enhancing its role as a cultural hotspot.

While waiting in line for what was reputedly the finest congee in Taipei, as praised in various magazine reviews, I unexpectedly wandered into this historic district. Though the congee itself did not prove to be particularly remarkable, the accompanying dishes were quite delightful.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Abandoned Old Gillies Pie Factory in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Old Gillies Pie Factory in Bendigo, Victoria, stands as a testament to the city's rich industrial and culinary heritage. Established in the mid-20th century, this factory was once the heart of a thriving pie-making enterprise that left an indelible mark on the local community.

Origins and Growth

The Gillies Pies brand was founded by three brothers—Les, Alan, and Norm Gillies—who relocated from Charlton to Bendigo following the 1940s drought. They began their venture with a modest bakery on Mitchell Street, gradually expanding their operations to meet the growing demand for their delectable pies. In 1958, the brothers acquired the Black Swan Hotel building, transforming it into a mass production facility. This site would later become known as the Old Gillies Pie Factory.

Community Impact

The factory wasn't just a production site; it became a local institution. The "pie window" at Gillies Corner, their second shop, often saw queues of eager customers winding down the street, drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pies. At its peak, Gillies Pies employed around 200 people, with retail outlets spreading across Victoria and distribution reaching as far as Melbourne.

Decline and Closure

Despite its success, the company faced challenges in the latter part of the 20th century. Operations eventually ceased, and the factory fell into disrepair, becoming a canvas for graffiti and a spot for urban explorers. In 2016, the last link to the iconic brand was severed when the remaining factory operations in Bendigo were shut down, marking the end of an era.

Preservation Efforts

In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve the legacy of the Old Gillies Pie Factory. Local history enthusiasts have lobbied for the site's restoration, aiming to maintain its "naturally decrepit" state as a nod to its historical significance. These endeavors highlight the community's desire to honour and remember the factory's role in Bendigo's history.

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Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Abandoned Bradmill Factory, Yarraville, Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Bradmill factory, located in Yarraville, Melbourne, has a storied history that spans over seven decades. Established in 1927 as Bradford Cotton Mills in Sydney, the company expanded its operations to Victoria in 19402. By the late 1950s, a new factory was built on Francis Street in Yarraville, and the company rebranded as Bradmill.

At its peak, Bradmill was the largest producer of textiles in Australia, known for its innovative denim production. The factory produced an astounding 36 million square meters of cotton denim annually, enough to wrap the globe. Bradmill's products were renowned for their durability and strength, finding their way into various products, from fire hoses and deck chairs to tents and tarpaulins.

The factory was a hub of ceaseless activity, employing thousands of workers and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition and inflation in the 1980s, Bradmill thrived on innovation. The company ventured into new export markets and developed pioneering products, attracting global attention.

Bradmill's success was not just due to its technological advancements but also its inclusive and vibrant community. The factory employed a diverse workforce of over 30 nationalities, fostering a culture of unity and warmth. Employees shared lunches, participated in music, sports, and outings, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

However, the rise of global competition and changing market dynamics eventually led to the factory's closure in 2001. Despite its closure, the legacy of Bradmill lives on through urban explorers, artists, and reunions that keep its spirit alive. The site has now been transformed into a new community, Bradmill Yarraville, built on the foundations of this iconic Australian institution.

The Bradmill factory's history is a testament to the power of innovation, community, and resilience. It remains a cherished part of Melbourne's industrial heritage, inspiring future generations with its story of excellence and togetherness.

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Linking Treasure Tuesday

The rest of the photographs are in this album Abandoned Bradmill

After enduring several hectic days at the clinic, Joel, too, faced a particularly challenging Monday. Consequently, we engaged in an extended conversation before retiring for the night, which proved to be an excellent opportunity to alleviate our frustrations.

Dredge and Dragline for Sunday Best

 

I reside in the vicinity of Maldon, a mere half-hour's journey from Bendigo. The dredge and dragline in Maldon stand as relics of the golden age of mining. Over the years, I have captured this locale through my lens on numerous occasions. Occasionally, I am seized by a longing to document rustic machinery. Joel, however, has never shown an interest in these pursuits, thus I often embark on these solitary explorations. Perhaps, my many years of practicing geriatrics in this region have endeared it to me.

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St Kilda Pier Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

Returning to laborious pursuits after the festivities is indeed arduous. Behold this image, captured upon a blustery day, the sea roiling with tempestuous swells. The melancholic ambiance of the scene is rather striking to me.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

I like the lamb commercial this year. A good laugh.

Abandoned jetty at Rapid Bay for Water H2O Thursday

 

Rapid Bay's jetty was originally constructed in 1942 to facilitate limestone mining operations. However, as the years passed and industrial needs changed, the once bustling jetty was abandoned in favor of a newer, more modern structure. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic of the past, with its skeletal remains stretching out into the turquoise waters of the bay.

This forgotten jetty has become a magnet for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. Divers flock to its underwater world, where schools of fish, colorful coral, and sometimes even the elusive leafy sea dragon can be spotted amidst the submerged pylons. For photographers, the jetty offers an endless canvas of rustic beauty. Each visit reveals a different facet, from the play of light and shadows to the dramatic backdrop of rolling waves and sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and pink.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Mural in Christchurch New Zealand for Mural Monday

 

Not sure it was a robot or a killer clown. 

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Abandoned Sign for Sign2

 

On my drive to Port Fairy Victoria. 

More of an abandoned scene

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FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Sign2

Abandoned Bradmill factory for Sunday Best

 

Urbex is not my strong suite but I enjoy it very much. 

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Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Sunday Best

Travancore Sewage Tunnel

 

Urban exploration ends up in sewage tunnels. Stinking so much for the sake of photography.

My friend Joel is anti-google, anti-Facebook and anti-corporate. So I respect his wish not to include his face most of my shots of him in the frame.

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Laowa 9mm f5.6 

This is linking Imaging link

Abandoned papermill, Fairfield

 

This stair was actually quite wobbly to climb. The whole suburb is now turned into apartment complex. There was an abandoned mental health facility that was now demolished turning into an estate of some sorts.

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FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Sony is releasing A7RV for which I already place a pre-order. Can't wait to have the new toy to come!

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Abandoned Gold Mining Equipment in Forest Creek, Castlemaine

 

After seeing some blogger friends posting on mining equipment, I took quite a few abandoned in the wilderness in Loddon Region of Victoria.

Seriously, this shall be protected in a shelter of some sort instead of being left out in the wilderness.

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Laowa 9mm f5.6

Castlemaine photos

Princess Pier, Melbourne

 

The underside of the Princess Pier is all rusted. The place stinks because of massive deaths of star fish. How lovely an urban exploration ends up in this ugly spot.

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Laowa 9mm f5.6

Melbourne Street Photography Blog