Photography & Digital Art,Travel,CuriositiesDEC 28, 2022

I Visited Creepy Abandoned Steel Industry Headquarters And Captured These 12 Photos

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I am Janine Pendleton, and I am an explorer of abandoned places. I travel the world in search of amazing lost locations and I photograph them to share with the world. I think there is much beauty in what humanity leaves behind when we move on and leave our ruins to be reclaimed by nature.

Even the mightiest buildings succumb to the ravages of time. This huge complex was once the administrative headquarters of one of the biggest steel companies in France. This was the repository of all the industry paper records, documenting the deals and finances over the decades. It was purpose-built in the 1890s to both store records as well as to showcase the company's steelwork. The huge atrium boasts an impressive skylight. All that glass and concrete is held up by the iron girders, which they manufactured in their own nearby steelworks. The French steel industry collapsed in the 1980s, and the offices were closed and left to decay.

The bold atrium is the main attraction here for a photographer of industrial ruins such as myself. However, the rest of the labyrinthine building is amazingly photogenic. I spent several hours exploring the corridors and rooms. I savored the atmosphere and captured this place in 12 photos. I hope you enjoy them!

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#1 Upstairs, An Interesting Relic Can Be Found: A Vintage Typewriter

53points

My journey as a photographer started in 2015 when I explored an abandoned theme park near my home. I used to visit it as a kid, so this seemed like a great place to start. I was hooked instantly and began exploring the UK soon after and then started abroad in 2016. I drove from Manchester to Europe and did a big loop of Belgium, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and France. I mainly shoot abandoned buildings, but more recently I am starting to shoot landscapes as well as wildlife to diversify a bit.

#2 Ornate Metalwork Supports The Glass-Covered Atrium

47points

#3 The Long Dark Corridors Have Been Abandoned Since The 1980s

42points

The most challenging part of the creative process is not knowing for sure if the places will be accessible. There is nothing worse than driving 3 hours to visit a place and finding it has been burnt down or sealed up tight. For this reason, I make a big map for a trip, with lots of locations to ensure (hopefully) there are many successes to go with the inevitable fails. It's all part of the adventure!

The part I enjoy the most is the road trip itself. Filling the car with local snacks and drinks I have never heard of. Getting the road trip music playlist on, and setting the next location in the sat nav. Then driving and enjoying the scenery and sharing the experience with close friends is where the best memories are made for me.

#4 More Of The Steel Company's Metalwork Can Be Seen To Form The Stair Handrails And Elevators

37points

#5 The Atrium Of This Administration Office Is A Wonder To Photograph, Even In Ruins

33points

My goal is to present photos of beautiful abandoned places along with history and context. I always write an article to accompany each set of photos from a location, and I hope people enjoy the information I provide. I feel it is important to add context to these photos and to share the story of the lost place.

#6 Even The Darkest Corner Offers Some Interesting Photographic Opportunities, Thanks To Some Gentle Evening Light

32points

#7 Viewing The Atrium From The Upper Floor, More Details Of The Metalwork Can Be Admired

29points

There are three main ways I find abandoned places. Firstly, by extensively researching online. I spend many hours scouring articles and records to find clues to places, as well as much time spent investigating satellite maps. Secondly, by working with my travel companions, who also share this passion for creating a shared map for a specific trip. Lastly, just by keeping my eyes open while traveling. I often find abandoned places randomly while driving en route to a planned location.

#8 The Architecture Of The Location Is Stunning, With The Subdued Colours Allowing The Diverse Textures Of Decay To Dominate The Photographs

29points

#9 Yellow Paint Still Clings To This Stairway, As Concrete And Plaster Crumble

28points

I am always trying to explore new countries, next up for me is probably Lebanon or perhaps Spain. I also have plans to revisit the Baltics, I didn't have time to visit Estonia on my last trip, sadly.

I recently started shooting 35mm film using my grandad's Soviet-era camera. I hope to start a side project based on these photos, I think abandoned places on film might be an interesting direction to go in. I am having a lot of fun shooting with this camera, it is certainly a new challenge for me!

#10 The Immense Skylight Is Still Standing Strong, A Testament To The Fine Steelwork This Company Produced

27points

#11 These Shelves Were Once Packed With The Financial Records Of This French Steel Empire

23points

#12 Only A Few Scraps Of The Paperwork Remain, On Shelves That Are Mainly Empty

22points

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