Designers of different nationalities bring their own take to the appearance of the humble access covers that we walk and drive over every day. This time I have a collection of samples from Gran Canaria.

Most people are fascinated by stone circles, standing stones and megalithic tombs. Who built them and how and why? How have they survived for so many years (unfortunately, some haven’t but that’s another issue)? Huge amounts of research have been inspired by these questions. At the end of the day they look beautiful and it is magical to be in their presence. In the west of Ireland we are lucky to have many examples, a few of which I am including today. I have used Photoshop to give the images an “antique” look which seems appropriate considering their age.

There is no specific theme to the photos this week except that, although they are not “macro” shots, they are all looking at a detail in the landscape. My reasons for selecting them are to do with colour and shapes – in other words, textures.

No matter how well built, boats don’t last for ever. Some are scrapped, some are sunk and others are left to quietly disintegrate. Seeing examples of this last group we can only guess why their owners decided they were no longer worth repairing or maintaining. They also carry a hidden history of all the places they have been, dangers they have survived, pleasure they have given to their crews and more.

More photos of musicians doing what they do best – I try to make a graphic representation of the beautiful sounds they create while free-improvising together and, most importantly, listening to one another.

This is a series of wooden blocks that were set into concrete forming part of a sea defence on Hengistbury Head in Dorset. Some form of structure, probably railings and long since departed, was bolted to the blocks which have weathered beautifully over the years.

Like snowflakes, every sunset is different and fleeting. They seem to have universal appeal so here are a few more that presented themselves to my camera.

Sometimes it is worthwhile to forget the broader picture and look in at some of the details. Patterns and textures present themselves if you look for them.

There’s no particular connection between the photos this week – they are all parts of buildings that simply caught my eye.

The first two portraits this week have connections to earlier posts in a different category – old machinery. They also have a connection with old boats.