The Rolling Bridge That Curls

Something strange goes on every Friday in Paddington Basin, London.

At first sight it looks just like any other normal bridge.  Spanning the Grand Union Canal in Paddington Basin, London – the minimal design could be looked upon as somewhat plain and boring.  But once a week the Rolling Bridge as it is known does something that makes jaws drop.  Slowly at first, something remarkable happens.

Image Credit

Each and every Friday at midday the bridge rolls – literally.  It consists of eight sections – triangular in shape – that are hinged at ground level.  Concealed in vertical posts in the parapets of the bridge are pistons.  These pistons collapse the two part links that connect the section and the bridge can roll up.  It is the only bridge of this kind in the world and although it is known as a rolling bridge this is something of a misnomer.  By rights it should be called a curling bridge (and is by many).

Kalyan's New Heads

Back in April Kuriositas featured the work of Miami based artist NFN Kalyan (pictured above). He has been busy since then and has recently completed three new heads for his series. The three new intriguing pieces are titled Barack, Chuck and Kundun and we are very pleased to give you a glimpse of these wonderful new works of art. Kalyan’s website features much more of his work – each of the pictures here links to his site – or you can visit his management, Leonardo Art for more information.

Made from Glass, wood and steel, the sequence of 22 pieces of glass investigates the transparency of the modern day fame. As we peer at their faces, can we see our own reflection?