Tom
AuthorAbandoned Vanity Ballroom: Detroit’s “Most Beautiful Dance Rendezvous”
It was once billed as “Detroit’s most beautiful dance rendezvous”. And even in a state of abandonment, it’s easy to see why the Vanity Ballroom gained its reputation. Designed in 1929, it was finally abandoned in the 1980s.
Villemard’s Vision: 1910 Postcards Depict the Year 2000
In the years prior to the dawning of the new millenium, there was an intense exitement for what the year 2000 might hold for the world. Science fiction writers have long expressed their visions of the future, while Villemard’s 1910 postcards showcased his vision of life in the year 2000.
Historic Groom Mine, Area 51, Nevada
The western United States is famous for abandoned mines and ghost towns, but this slice of Old West history is notable because it occupies land overlooking the classified Groom Lake test site in Nevada, known to the world as Area 51.
Scrapped: Are these the Remains of Fiona Banner’s Harrier and Jaguar?
Fiona Banner’s recent Harrier and Jaguar exhibition at Tate Britain, featuring two retired fighter planes, captivated the modern art loving audience. But aviation enthusiasts will be shocked to learn that the decommissioned jets may have been sold for scrap.
Tavira’s Enigmatic Anchor Graveyard, Portugal
Urban Ghosts has featured a variety of vehicle graveyards, but Cemitério das Âncoras – the Anchor Graveyard – on Ilha de Tavira in the Algarve region of Portugal, must be one of the most unique and poignant memorials around.
10 Abandoned Buildings & Places Infiltrated by Urban Explorers
Urban exploration is a movement that flies under the radar in a bid to investigate abandoned buildings and places, which often comprise the modern ruins of our recent industrial, military and civic past. This article examines ten examples of abandoned places urban explorers love to infiltrate.
“Ghosts of the Grande”: Detroit’s Abandoned Rock and Roll Palace
Opened in 1928, Detroit’s Grande Ballroom was a popular jazz venue before being immortalised in the annals of psychedelic rock history. Closing its doors in 1972, the abandoned ballroom has collapsed into decay and taken its place among Detroit’s incredible modern ruins.
Vernal Equinox: Where Science and Folklore Collide
Derived from a Latin term meaning “equal night”, equinoxes occur twice a year when the Sun crosses the plane of the Earth’s equator. Sacred to pre-Christians and Neopagans to this day, the vernal equinox is a magical time that symbolises rebirth and the coming of spring.
Rags to Ditches: Mysterious Celtic Clootie Wells
Even in our modern world, an ancient Celtic tradition that transcends paganism and Christianity persists in the British Isles. Characterised by strips of cloth or rags hanging from trees, clootie wells remain places of pilgrimage reputedly bestowed with magical healing properties.
Farewell to the Harrier: The Jump Jet Jumps No More
The Harrier Jump Jet is one of Britain’s finest aviation achievements and one of the most iconic military jets ever built. But as it bows out of UK service following controversial budget cuts, we take a visual look at the Harrier’s distinguished career from design to retirement.
“1 Minute Paintings”: Fastest Urban Spray Art in the World?
As the creator of “1 Minute Paintings”, gifted spray artist Brandon McConnell must be one of the fastest people in the world in his genre. Watch him at work here, as he creates an other-worldly pyramid against the backdrop of a strange planet in just 58 seconds.
Legendary Lost City of Atlantis Found in Southern Spain, Archeologists Claim
Atlantis, described by Plato in 360BC, is arguably the world’s most famous lost city. Debate over its existence has raged for thousands of years, but in the most compelling exploration to date, a team of archeologists claim to have discovered what could have been the doomed civilisation.
Alan Weisman: The World Without Us
In 2007 American journalist Alan Weisman published his bestselling book “The World Without Us”, a thought experiment exploring the impact on the built and natural environment if humans were to suddenly disappear. Today, with environmental concerns at the forefront of debate, Weisman’s words offer hope and caution.
Lost Theatres: Matt Lambros Launches “After the Final Curtain”
Photographer Matt Lambros has launched his stunning new website, “After the Final Curtain”, featuring fascinating abandoned theatres, movie palaces and other deserted buildings in the North Eastern United States. Check it out here…
From Liverpool to Ellis Island Aboard the Carmania
After transporting my great grandfather from Liverpool to Ellis Island, New York, RMS Carmania went on to rescue the survivors of SS Volturno before sinking the Cap Trafalgar at the Battle of Trindade during World War One. Explore her colourful history here, from design to scrapping in 1932.
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