Goodbye 2021 – Photo Highlights From This Years Adventures

As 2021 draws to a close, it is time for my usual retrospective post looking back over the year’s adventures. As vaccination programmes progressed and travel opened up a little more, I was lucky enough to be able to go out on more adventures. Compared to my round-up of 2020 urbex adventures, there were certainly more excursions this year.

Some highlights that stand out, before I delve into the behind the scenes photo highlights;

• Explored a former movie and TV set in an old mill
• Mooched about in an old train shed, with diesel locomotive and various carriages
• Day trip to Scotland visiting a couple of hospitals and a crypt
• A couple of visits wonderful seaside tram collection!
• Finally ticked off another classic, but previously elusive location for me (a northern library, finally)
• A sprinkling of random Welsh chapels, which are always a treat
• Wondered about a decaying hospital, which was a little empty but had the usual peeling paint corridor shots which are always welcome
• A burnt out hotel in Wales with a few nice shots (featuring a magical, moving suit of armour!)
• Summer trip to Germany
• Late Summer trip to Italy
• Some nice UK churches popping up from time-to-time
• A few re-visit road trip weekends, for funsies with friends

Two adventures abroad – Germany & Italy

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Germany in the early summer. Once again I explored the east of Germany. This trip gave me the opportunity to explore five Soviet-era military bases, as well as several more ballrooms. We finished up with a particularly beautiful church before heading back to the west. You can read more here: Germany Summer 2021 – The One-Year-Later Tour.

A month or two after my adventures in Germany, I ventured down to Italy! This trip was planned for April 2020, but was cancelled when the pandemic began. I am pleased that this belated tour was finally able to happen. You can read more here: Italy Summer 2021 – The Industry and Morgue Tour./p>

Expanding my online shop – Greeting Cards and first Calendar

2021 was the year my book and print sales began to really take off! I am filled with such joy every time I send my photographic works to a new customer. Thanks to everyone who supports me and my adventures; I never dreamed that so many people all over the world would want my art in their home and to gift to loved ones.

As a result of this, I thought it was time to diversify my shop. To try and shake things up and offer something new. Therefore, I decided to make four series of greeting cards; Abandoned America, Abandoned Italy, Abandoned France and Reclaimed By Nature. I thoroughly enjoyed designing these cards, and seeing the final printed products was truly a joy!

2021 was also the year I finally was organised enough to make a calendar. Every year I remember in November or Decemeber, always too late. This year I gave myself plenty of time, as I wanted to do a good job. I designed the layouts completely from scratch, and was so pleased with the result. My first batch sold out in the first month. So I ordered a second. And then a third. The feedback I received has been astounding. Most of them being gifted for surprise Christmas presents to family and loved ones. Copies will continue to be available for the first part of 2022, which can be purchased here: Beautiful Abandoned Places Calendar 2022.

Casualties of 2021 (and 2020)

We say goodbye to many locations this year. Unfortunately, due to Covid-related lockdowns it is hard to say for certain if these casualties fell in 2020 or 2021. Therefore, I will include both years notable mentions in this list;

• Hunter’s House, Germany – Cleared of all belongings, future unknown
• Hunter’s Hotel, Germany – Following the sad death of the caretaker, the hotel is now cleared
• Viva Lancia, Belgium – Car removed, its fate unknown
• Dictatorship Palace, Portugal – Demolition in progress
• Low Budget Hotel, Germany – Demolished
• Garage Red Beetle/Napoleon Bug, Belgium – Car removed
• Red Morgue, Hungary – Demolished
• Blue Tower, Belgium – Demolished
• Cavern Of Lost Souls, Wales – Blue car is gone, appears to have been a junk pile collapse
• Mold Boetiek, Belgium – Demolished
• Post-Apocalyptic Car Dealership, England – Demolished
• Fine Decor Wallpaper Factory, England – Demolished

Renovations, restorations and (possible) new chapters

2021 marked a year where some of my favourite locations saw the start of renovation/restoration;

• Buzludzha Communist Monument, Bulgaria – Preservation/restoration work ongoing
• Alla Italia, Belgium – Under renovation
• Château Lumière, France – Under renovation
• Casino Royale, Romania – Under renovation
• Fallen Empire Theatre, England – Under renovation
• Blue-Green Bingo Hall, England – Under renovation
• Zoology Department, England – Under renovation
• Blue Miranda Church, Engalnd – Renovation complete, it is now a family home
• American Steam Locomotive, USA – Most has been moved to its new museum home
• Maison Aux Toiles, Belgium – House cleared, and sold

Additionally, Chateau Golf, France was purchased by new owners, with plans unknown.