Boat builder's paradise - # 08/180

The little workshop complex under Richmond Bridge always provides good material.

The little rowing boat seems to be a camping set-up with iron hoops to take the canvass cover at night. By the way: skiff camping on the upper reaches of the Thames from Oxford down to Hampton Court (a nice long skiff used as a tented sleeper overnight) - just like in Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat" - is still popular and a great way to experience the "real Thames".

Niche industry flourishes - # 133

Tough's Yard at Teddington was more valuable as building land, but one mile down river towards Richmond and Twickenham the building restrictions and economics are different. So the yard on Eel Pie Island flourishes, as you can see.

The weather was very poor on the day I took this photo. Attempting to get a more striking image, I slightly increased the colour saturation. On my screen the water has taken on a nice "molten metal" appearance and the colours on the boats are brighter, but still very realistic: that's how I remember seeing them, even on the dull day. The colour and the obvious busy activity are what attracts me to the area and that's why I took the photo.