The Opening of the Film Archives – Nantes November 2016


Following our last trip to Carnac, the film archive now has a look at Nantes in the autumn of 2016. These photos offer a glimpse into how I approached photographing a city back then, and if I’m being totally honest with you, still do. I treat the city much like a model on a photoshoot. The goal is to capture not just the physical landscape, but the essence and atmosphere of a place, allowing viewers to get a feel for the city simply by looking at the images. In this series of pictures, Nantes reveals herself and her architecture, resplendent in the autumnal sunshine.

Over time, I have come to know the city and appreciate her architecture. Buildings are not only a reflection of the architect but also of the people who live in them. They add character to the city, allowing her personality to shine through.  I enjoy looking at the lines, and the shapes of them.  They inspire me.  They tell the story of the people who, either work, or live in them.  They are not just mere edifices.  

You will notice as we go through the archives, I might not respect the timeline slavishly. My aim is to give you an aperçu of my world at the time through film. I know you will be able to take this affront in your stride and not hate me!

We’ll go from the bains douches municipales, through to the Sainte Croix church, to the Stalinian 1950’s architecture of the Social Security building, passing by the odd shop, Hausmanian architecture, and even a shot looking towards the Cathedral.

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19 thoughts on “The Opening of the Film Archives – Nantes November 2016”

  4. Fine set, Ian. Going for the ‘Soul’ of what ‘is’ around you. My cup of tea as well. And I think it also tells me something about my own essence, because the shots are te visible representations of my connection with the world around me; I shoot wat speaks to me.. and I believe it’s a dialogue; not a monologue. Have fun!

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    1. I’m definitely having fun showing these photos. They’re older but I think my style still comes through. Each time I go out, you’re right, it “is” a dialogue with the world around me. It does me so much good too. Sometimes we’re all so caught up in this world that we forget to take her all in…

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    1. Small world! I suppose you have to live somewhere. This weekend was the beginning of the Voyage à Nantes art festival, so I course went into town, hang out with my barber, and ended up at the pub. No photos… Ah well, I’ll go in next weekend… I have a Olympus Pen EE S half frame camera, and I have discovered some Kodak Gold in my photography cupboard. I might just have to take it out for a spin…

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      3. There are a couple of photos on the site showing Nantes, both on film and digital. It’ where I go if I feel the need to melt into the crowd. It’s where I go to see my barber, go to the pub, the John Mc Byrne, and I have various addresses for goodies, cake, and tea.

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    1. It’s going to become a regular thing. Publishing on Wednesdays. The next series will be from Pinthièvres in the Quiberon Peninsula, and then Saint Cado. My parents in law, though divorced 25 odd years ago, now live in seperate houses in the same village in Brittany. There will be more to come…

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