Padded cells in a mental asylum

This is a 9-exposure HDRi of a derelict mental asylum in England. The door marked with graffiti is a padded cell.

This building is the best remaining example of the old style mental asylums that housed lunatics in all their forms from 1906 into the late 1960's. It's a massive building and I have documented most of it's contents during three visits over an 8 month period.

The rest of the images are part of my blog and are posted daily, feel free to visit: http://john-godwin.co.uk/blog

The building itself, save for minor damage from time and vandals, is as good as it was 30 years ago. Much of the contents of the buildings are in the order they were left in. Very spooky to walk into a room and see a plate of dinner that has just been left untouched for ten years. Or a walking into an ex-patients room and seeing their clothes still hung up...

Posted by John Godwin on Fri, 07/24/09 11:09
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Comments by Jan Bjorklund on Fri, 07/24/09 14:22

A strong visual feel to this composition created by the HDR treatment along with the nature of the setting... one can only imagine the stories of the people who lived behind those doors that we see ajar now. The textural feel of the walls, the quality of the light highlighting the hallway and leading to the distant open door, and the slightly askew perspective all work hand in hand to add to the visual impact of the picture.


Comments by Alias on Fri, 07/24/09 14:24

chilling


Comments by Bryan Palmer on Fri, 07/24/09 15:19

quite well done, and quite creepy. really catches the "mood" of the place.


Comments by Greg Collins on Fri, 07/24/09 17:43

I like what you've done here John. Nice work with the HDR and the tilt really fits well with me.


Comments by Kara Williams on Sat, 07/25/09 01:04

The camera angle and B&W make all the difference in this shot. It speaks for itslef.


Comments by John Long on Sat, 07/25/09 05:06

I looked at your blog before commenting John - it's quite a revelation to see such a place (the local Mental Asylum here in Bristol UK was transformed into a college some years ago, and the padded cells now used as Stationery cuoboards!)
Regardsing the OP, it's a great shot, full of atmosphere and the tilt somehow suits the picture.


Comments by Paul Bracey on Sat, 07/25/09 09:22

v nice - not looking like HDR


Comments by Maria Salvador on Sun, 07/26/09 10:00

This has the Wow factor to me - every little detail tell the story. And it doesn't look like HDR.


Comments by Harry Liston on Sun, 07/26/09 16:43

It makes me appreciate the progress that has occurred in treatment since those days. It looks more like a prison than a hospital!


Comments by Light Grapher on Mon, 07/27/09 19:49

HDR done well.

crazy tilt but that helps tell the tale.

very nice work.


Comments by Rick Longworth on Tue, 07/28/09 20:26

Spooky.


Comments by susanlohan on Wed, 09/09/09 14:40

Wonderful Photos!

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Comments by Sal Santostefano on Wed, 09/16/09 15:18

I missed this one. I only found it by reading your comments on your latest post from this location. This is another great shot that speaks to you. Again, great use of tilt to bring the stage to life (or maybe afterlife).