Architecture of War

[Shaun Haselden]

This rather grim, bleak scene is a left over from WWII. Lincolnshire in the UK was home to around 84 airfields back at the close of WWII some of which had Battle HQ bunkers. This, shot in 1987 was one of them. This was at what used to be RAF Binbrook.

Apologies straight away for the dark stain on the left of the image. This was my first 120 roll from my then new Bronica and the stain is caused by a processing fault. Paterson info on their tanks should not be believed.

 

[Brian Moore]

What an interesting concept and potential project: The Architecture of War. That's a project worth pursuing Shaun.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

Brian, I have considered this so many times but never got off the starting blocks.

 

[Dave Farnes]

A reminder of times gone by, still resolutly standing there long past it's useful life.

Have you ever watched "Abandoned Egineering" on the Yesterday channel? Lots of old military structures have featured, fascinating series.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

Dave yes I have watched a few of the programs. Love old derelict military stuff, it always looks so overengineered.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

Carrying on with the 'Architecture of War' theme, here is a shot taken back around 2008 on film. Huge concrete pillbox at Cayton Bay in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It started it's life on the surface a couple of hundred feet higher up than where it is now; on the beach. Mamiya RB67 with Fuji Acros 100 film and 90mm lens.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

And another 'Architecture of War' shot taken around 2008 on the beach at Fraisthorpe in the East Riding of Yorkshire. This is or was a beach light shelter that started it's days much farther inland from where it is now. Mamiya RB67 with Fuji Acros 100 but a 50mm lens.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

Spurn Point, the East Riding of Yorkshire back around 1985. A partially uncovered brick WWII post that even the next year had completely gone. Bronica ETRS with 75mm lens. Fuji Velvia 50.

 

[Dave Farnes]

Those are very imposing structures. Well captured too.
Certainly on a monolithic scale. I think the comparison between WW2 military engineering and civillian buildings is much the same as between a medieval castle and the peasent dwellings of the time.

 

[Wes Hall]

The starkness in your captures sits well with the subjects Shaun, I agree with Brian's comments about this being an interesting project or mini series.

 

[Brian Moore]

Brian, I have considered this so many times but never got off the starting blocks.

Just do it!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

There’s a book in this project if you keep it up. You could even apply for an Arts Council grant to travel the coast of this island. Think big!

 

[Shaun Haselden]

Keeping in with the 'Architecture of War' theme, this is a shot of a WWII Standby SET House or back up generator shed. This one is at what used to be RAF Carnaby.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

This one is a WWII concrete pillbox on the coast in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

 

[Shaun Haselden]

WWII Operations block on the old airfield at Kelstern in Lincolnshire. Did I say I love this subject ? LOL

 

[Shaun Haselden]

The old WWII WT Station at Swinhope in Lincolnshire close to what was RAF Binbrook. This has now been completely erased from the landscape.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I like how they are interacting with nature, the latter slowly doing to them what the Germans never managed.

 

[Brian Moore]

I like the wide-angle views. They enhance the feeling of abandonment and isolation.

 

[Pete Askew]

A super series of studies, Shaun and Rob is right you know: there is a book in there!