Don’t Forget to Explore What’s on Your Doorstep

The Culture Map

Part of the attraction of travelling is being far away from where you live, but sometimes we forget to explore the things on our doorstep.

After living in Yorkshire for more than twenty years, it has only been in the last couple of years that I’ve started to appreciate this region of the UK.

I used to think that London was the epicentre of the universe and the only place I belonged. Now, as I’ve grown older (and hopefully a little wiser), I’m open to call anywhere my home.

If someone had asked me as a teenager if I saw myself living in Yorkshire as an adult, I would have said, no way. These days, now that I’ve seen much more of Yorkshire beyond the small town that I grew up in, I think I can.

 “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes” – Proust

Appreciating what’s on your doorstep

I think the essence of appreciating what’s on your doorstep is looking at it with new eyes, almost like being a child. I’ve found the more I learn about Yorkshire’s history, and visiting its lesser known places, the more I’ve grown to like about the place. 

Bradford

Take for example my humble abode of Bradford. While it doesn’t have the best reputation, it will always be important to me because it’s where I grew up.

I love diverse places, and Bradford is certainly that. However, while in places like London where diversity is embraced, the same can’t exactly be said for Bradford. It’s often describe as ‘one city, two cultures’. 22.1% of the population are British South Asian, with the majority being British Pakistani. Growing up I felt the tension between these cultures, and just wished that everyone would get on. Like many places, and the world at large, a bit more tolerance wouldn’t go amiss. 

One of the most interesting things about Bradford which visitors will probably notice is the architecture. Some of the buildings are surprisingly impressive and ornate, however these same buildings appear rather dirty and run-down.

Bradford’s architecture symbolises a once prosperous city. The black facades reflect back to a time when the city thrived as an international city in the Industrial Age. It’s hard to imagine today, but Bradford was once far more prosperous than Leeds. Today, Leeds is now considered the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’. I think that title is a bit far-fetched if you ask me, but there’s some truth to it.

So when walking through the centre of Bradford, and looking at many of its architecturally rich yet unkempt buildings, you need to see them in a sociohistorical context. With a little imagination, you’ll be bought back in time when its economy flourished from its textile industry. Imagination being the key word. 

While Bradford might not be one of England’s most beautiful cities, historically it’s one of the most interesting.

Did you know?

1. Bradford is the first UNESCO City of Film, beating Los Angeles, Cannes and Venice in 2009. Its reputation is confirmed by several culturally rich institutions including the National Media Museum, the Alhambra theatre, Bradford film festival, the invention of the Cieroscope. Notable names such as Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy hails from the city.

David Hockney, Saltaire

David Hockney, Saltaire.

2. Bradford is home to the world famous artist David Hockney. I’m sure he doesn’t need any introduction, but in case, he’s Britain’s most highly regarded artist. His work can be seen in many international galleries from the Tate Modern to the lesser-known Salts Mills in Saltaire, Bradford. Amusingly, when Hockney was first asked to paint the Queen, he declined on the basis that he was too busy painting her country! I mean, you can’t argue with that. He’s a man of the people.

3. In 2011 Bradford was named the UK’s Curry Capital. This was long overdue if you ask me. For decades people have been enjoying an aroma of authentic, curry dishes available on any major street (and residential!). My favourite place based solely on the food is Karachi – one meal in there and you’ll become a regular patron.

Bradford at night

In a society where we are constantly looking into the future for something new, Bradford is an exception. By looking at the past we to find something new. 

Bradford, little Germany

What’s just beyond your doorstep?

What stories does your home town have?

3 responses

  1. Hey hunbun, excellent post. On a completely unrelated note (and quite far from Bradford) – can you give me some advice? Have you been to Iceland? Thinking Feb but I don’t know where etc…xxx

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