Altrincham Grammar School for Boys planned to demolish an old, dilapidated Art Room and replace it with a double storey building that would house a new Art Room and Food Technology classroom as well. I was contacted and asked if I would be interested in following the development of the build, from demolition of the existing building, through the construction and handover of the new one, finishing with images of the new classrooms in use.
I have photographed a lot of buildings. As a wedding photographer I have taken images of beautiful stately homes, country houses and modern hotels. Some of my past commercial clients include the building company St Modwen and the Midland Hotel after a multi-million pound refurbishment. But this would be something different. I'd never photographed a building being destroyed before. There was also the time issue. I would see this project at different times of year, in different weather and light conditions. It was going to be an interesting challenge.
Here is the existing building. Oh, did I mention the tight space it fitted into?
And then ....... it was gone!
Then the concrete base was poured and the new building began to take shape.
Already it looked so different. But then the scaffolding was put up and the hard work really began!
And then there were recognisable rooms.
And finally, ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the finish article, in all its glory, and in use:
What a transformation eh?
It was a great project to track. I'd like to thank the Head, Mr Tim Gartside, for asking me to photograph the project for him. I enjoyed every minute of it - even in the depths of a freezing winter, in a building with no windows and no heating!
If you'd like to discuss a commercial photography assignment you might like me to cover, I can be contacted at info@martinhambleton.com or please call the studio on 01565 777186.
