Modern cities are criss-crossed by access routes, allowing traffic into, and out of, the city centre. They are Highways, Railways, Expressways; they are the arteries and veins of the modern city. They are usually plain, even dour places – a random collection of concrete, crash barriers, patches of rough grass and traffic cones. They are uninspiring to the photographer looking for beauty, and a treasure trove for the snapper in search of metaphors.

The closest to the city centre they are, the more likely they will be interesting; the interception of functional design and street art can make for some very cool contrasts.

I was taking this picture from below the access-way, interested in the contrast against the blue sky, when I noticed the matchstick men climbing the white building across the block.

… and we have a winner! Ah, my kingdom for a metaphor.