On a happier note, Oakwell/Barnsley question....

I'm just starting my painting of old Oakwell and am wondering if anyone can remember when the new builds in the back of this photo went up? They lie on the far side of Sheffield Road one near the roundabout and the other blocks up towards Park Road. I would rather leave them out of the painting, so need to know what era predates their erection, if you like.

 

Brittania and Buckley flats were built in the 60's I believe.

I'm trying to place the other building, but for the life of me, I can't think what it is.

 

It's the tax office built in the early 90s I believe.

 

Thanks, I think the flats have become an integral part of the landscape and should be included. I can remember the building near the roundabout going up and staying empty for ages, I'm actually surprised that pre-dates the new Ponty, but there it is.

I'm also not too keen on the gantry that obscures the West stand pediment. I think I remember that being put into place when I was a lad, around 1980 or so?

 

Thanks. Do you consider these important landmarks in the Oakwell skyline, in terms of the painting that is?

 

I'd leave em out.

They look ***** and might distract from the stadium in the foreground

 

I have always sat/stood in the Ponty End so I never get to see that view and as such it looks a bit strange altogether. I wouldn't be able to say what I consider important in the Skyline. I'm used to looking the other way towards Monk Bretton.

 

I think it would be an unfamiliar view for most. It looks like this picture was taken in the seasons between the the East and Ponty developments, as it is an elevated view. If I used a ground level perspective I think the stand might hide most of the untidy background, though the terraced houses on Grove Street will be visible and essential I reckon.

I'm trying a watercolour first, might have to go to oil though if I can't pick out certain details like the terrace bars etc.

 

I think the gantry was added during the first Alan Clarke era.
I can't remember the 2 tower blocks ever not being there (but we never went on Sheffield Road when we went into town - it was directly from Doncaster Road).
Incorporate the tax office in a blazing inferno (or a smouldering pile of rubble) - it's not iconic.
And don't forget that the Ponty didn't have those huge gaps in the back in the early 70's.

 

I think that's the first time I've ever seen a picture of the old Ponty. Looks quality, expected it to be bigger.

 

Ohh, and I think there used to be dug outs near the corner flags (Ponty end / Brewery stand corner at least)?

 

There was a bit of land at back of old Ponty, a banking with a fine collection of local weeds and shrubs, that went darn to a couple of turnstyles.

 

Remember it,- and there were pitch side dugouts for St. John's if I remember right? The devil's in the details!

 

Yeah, Brewery Stand corner were St Johns with stretcher rolled up and laid against the wall.

 

And here it is in action circa 1981/82, an unfortunate Bolton Wanderers player being stretchered off by an unknown, enigmatic chap in a casual suit. Let's throw that open the audience.... Bet biglil knows or Gordon Ottershaw or Turvey.

 

Is it Peter Reid,he came off second best to a Mick McCarthy challenge around that time.

 

That's Peter Reid

Being carried off with a broken leg. Len Cantello is on the right hand side, helping to carry him. Brian Kidd was also sent off that day. We won the game 3-0, with Trevor Aylott (2) & Mick McCarthy getting the goals.

 

Re: That's Peter Reid

Definitely keep the houses, looks good imo.

Weird seeing it from this perspective, as i've always sat in ponty.

Bet it wa a laugh back then

 

Re: That's Peter Reid

Very impressive flower, but no prize today. Or pize either, unfortunately....

 

Re: That's Peter Reid

If anybody tries to tell you football is better nowadays, tell them to blumming well bugger off cos it's not!!