then and now...and then?

I know this isn't the most original idea, but sometimes one just has grit one's teeth and just do it. O.K. that said, here is a new segment I call 'then and now ' this of course will change with time..I came across this old postcard of a building I know very well (I walk past it everyday except when I don't..ha ha) Anyway , it looks a little like the flat iron building in New York, only much smaller( and its not in New York). I photographed a modern version of this building this morning, and the truth is, it hasn't really changed a lot, in fact it almost the same. Maybe this isn't the best example to start my new little segment (then and now) but maybe its good to see that progress (if one can call it that) hasn't swept over everything in it's sight....

I use to go to that cafe in the photo above, but they have a really nasty old pit bull working for them and she barks (and bites) very loudly in French.I passed the cafe this morning and heard her tender tones ringing out. I think she has been there since 1927..Ahhhh!! somethings truly never change. Alas!
(click on image to make it larger)

the poster that never was...

I painted this poster of the beautiful river-beach swimming pool in Boran, France for one good reason, A poster was never made. Lots of photographs and newsreels were taken of the inauguration in 1933, but no poster was ever produced. I thought this quite unusual for that time and a wonderful opportunity to see what I could do. After a lot of research into other posters of that period. I set to work. As many of you already know , I have shot a lengthy photo essay on the pool as well as a one hour film..I suppose this is my latest obsession at the moment. The film will be out next year under the French title 'les eaux muettes' For more information about the film and the photo essay go to www.philipbrooker.com
Yes! this poster will be available later this year (maybe early january) and hopefully details are being worked out for an exhibition of the photos as well as a book about the project... Stay tuned.

If you are still awake, here is a brief history....
On May 2nd 1933 The Magnificent 'Plage du Lys-Chantilly' situated on the river Oise bank just north of Paris, opened its doors to the public and over the next seventy years would attracted thousands and thousands of people for miles around. Hailed as the most beautiful river beach in France. It instantly became a hit. This was not to last.
What's left today are the sturdy remains of a once majestic pool. A place steeped in a sad romantic atmosphere.The structure is still sound but nature seems to be winning the battle. The sand of the beach has an uneven blanket of grass and weeds. The 190 cabins have no doors and most of the original mirrors are broken.The faded plage rules still hang in every cabin as a reminder.Alongside are the original clothes hangers that look very naked, except for draping cobwebs. No longer is there music coming from the huge speaker. The chequered dance floor boasts only of weeds and grime. The reflections of the once grand river beach complex lay dormant. Sad majestic ghosts hang in the air.