Snapshots: Manhole Covers

Manhole covers are quite interesting to look at, in some countries more than others. I usually take a photo if I come across a 'pretty' one in the course of walking around cities during my travels lately. I have yet to spot a 'nice' one here in Malaysia. I never really thought much about manhole covers but I know they serve a very important function. Ypma believes they are potent symbols of change ...

"The manhole cover is a potent symbol of the changes brought to society by the Industrial Revolution. With the increased pace of life, modern necessities such as power, sewerage and drainage all had to be organised, preferably out of view. The 'utilities' would issue their own 'manhole cover', cast in the graphic style of the company." - Herbert Ypma in London Minimum*

1. Georgetown, Pulau Pinang

A Georgetown manhole cover (CNB 2014)

2. Wellington, New Zealand

 A Wellington manhole cover

3. Kurashiki, Japan

4. Osaka, Japan

5. (Pic) Berlin, Germany

* Ref: London Minimum/Herbert Ypma. Thames & Hudson, 2010. Ex Libris CNB 2036

Note: President of the US, Barack Obama is now in Malaysia from 26-28 April 2014 - described as a historic visit. I don't remember Lyndon B Johnson's first visit of an American President to Malaysia in 1966, except for the fact that one Felda settlement Labu Jaya was renamed Kampung Lyndon B. Johnson after him on the occasion of him dropping by there.