Ghosts from the past

Being a photography student sometimes has its advantages, one of which is being granted access to buildings not open to the general public.

Yesterday we were allowed to explore an old railway works that will soon be turned into a shopping complex. It was the second time we had been allowed inside and there was genuine excitement about being given two hours to capture the essence of the place.

Although the heavy machinery was removed years ago, the building still has remnants of the past. My favourite was an old blackboard that included managers' names in carefully painted white lettering.

There were banks of lockers, some still locked and with their contents emerging from gaps. Other lockers had messages scrawled on them and one set was numbered without a 13 ('12A' was used instead).


People years ago had left messages on one window - daubed in the dust and grime on the glass, and helpfully dated by the authors. There were old posters and signs and the odd item of equipment left behind by the last occupiers - including controls for lifting gear and a huge hook.

Soon the works will house outlet shops and all that will remain of the past will be our photos. Hopefully they can be put to good use.