by Brian Willis

When I worked in Belfast during the 60's and 70's I used to wander the City with a sketchbook during my lunch breaks. Here are a few of those drawings which I hope will stir memories.

RAPHAEL STREET
(not Riley's Place as I previously thought)

Raphael Street, Cromac Street, Belfast Pencil. Original 21 x 30 cm

Looking from Cromac Street down Raphael Street (now gone) to the gasometers which loomed over the terraced houses. I was always intrigued by the precipitous staircase that wound its way around to the top of the largest of these tanks. Never saw anyone walking up it though. What a wonderful wall on the right against which to bounce your ball? And no graffiti either. Remember the shop further back along Cromac Street that claimed to sell "Anything from a donkey to a four engined bomber"?