Sketching the Union Bridge

I’m continuing filling my sketchbook and having fun sketching Newton Abbot’s Union Bridge.

It was built in 1822 and has been swallowed by the raised walls of the River Lemon, extended to their current height in 1982 after the disastrous floods which covered the town in 1979.

The “segmental-arched intrados and jambs are constructed of Limestone ashlar with rubblestone parapet and pointed Devon limestone coping.”

It’s a glorious part of the town’s history, the impression of which is destroyed by its closeness to an unsympathetic Asda. It was lovely to talk to passers-by, all of whom were Asda shoppers, as I stood on the modern bridge which has replaced its function. I thought it might be problematic or intrusive to have people looking at my sketch in public when I was only just developing it, but everyone was so supportive. Engaging with curious random strangers is lovely.