It is 2017, and Kingston upon Hull is the UK City of Culture. There will be many events, installations and exhibits showing what it is to be a Hullensians. But as people who have always had an affinity with Hull will tell you, the beauty is above your head.

As you walk the streets of the city centre, you’ll be forgiven (only just) for thinking it is a drab procession of post war architecture and generic shop fronts. But if you take the time to look up, you’ll see some of the most beautiful and interesting brickwork and sculpture.

This is a photo of the Yorkshire Penny Bank in Victoria Square. Like everything else this building now plays host to a cafe. The building is made from sandstone and has a gleaming glazed effect. Here we see what is typically missed, its tower way above its fourth storey with its globe and what appears to be a moon phase design. I’d be very interested to know more about this design and if it was ever operational as a mechanical feature.

  • Sony DSLR-A230
  • f/5.6
  • 1/1000 sec
  • ISO 100
  • 160mm
  • Aperture 4.64