Yesterday our morning dog walk was in the city centre. The plan to be there early was thwarted by Olympic scheduling. We were obliged to make a slow start to the day to watch a local diver, Tom Daley, take part in his fifth Olympic games. He is only 30. While he toiled in Paris on a 10 metre diving board we made a leisurely start to the day with an extra coffee.

He won silver and all was well. In consequence it was very hot by the time we got to the cities over-heated concrete heart. ( Pride and the weather) The dogs and I clung to the sharp, cool shadows created by tall buildings. Following the shadows took me to the local market. An area of independent small businesses and the most multicultural and diverse area of  Devon and Cornwall. Every time I go there I think I should go more often. Yesterday I found a favourite relocated junk/house clearance shop which made me very happy. It was closed Monday and Tuesday which protected me from myself. But the windows are always a joy. The paraphernalia of other peoples lives is so much more interesting than a carefully created Interiors  shop. I discovered a new to me artist.  Someones collection of framed images dumped in a corner. Of course I googled Gil, in the U.S these prints are collectibles.

There were 4 framed prints of his work in the window. It is hard to imagine a home where these would have been the acceptable focal points of a sitting room in 2024.

Much more contemporary was some nearby graffiti. 3 of 9 multicoloured Lighthouses stencilled on a wall.

In some ways the two sorts of art depict the changing face of Plymouth in the 30 years of Tom Daley’s life.

Cheesy Pin-up imagery in a city where men were men, to rainbow coloured Lighthouses.

Just like the junk shop. Plymouth is a bit more open, closed some days for certain, but more open than it used to be.