Many many years ago I filmed an interview for a programme with the Imperial War Museum as the back drop. Despite this I’ve never been in. Fast forward a good 20 years, and I was staying a two minute walk from it. I had decided to go to London on the National Express coach. A decision that turned out good. The trains were on and off strike, and driving and parking around London these days is both expensive and a pain! By the time I got to London, checked in and was free to wander – it was mid afternoon so it seemed like a good idea to visit, just across the road!
Most museums are free in London, and the IWM is no exception. Once through the entrance the central hall opens up to the visitor. It’s pretty impressive with both a Spitfire and a Harrier jump jet hanging in there. I can’t say I enjoyed my visit. I’m not sure anyone can. While it was interesting to see the exhibits, which are excellently put together, it’s a rather sobering exhibition of how pointless war is and how stupid man is. If only we put half the amount of effort into solving the worlds problems, rather than try to kill each other, the world would be a much better place. The exhibit’s are varied, below is a scale model of the Hydrogen bomb dropped on Nagasaki, and below that, a concrete night watchman’s “post” from the blitz.
There is a sizable exhibition space dedicated to the Holocaust. Frankly it’s almost un-bearable. I made no images there. I was shocked to see a Nazi emblem complete with eagle, a genuine artefact from Berlin, you may have even seen it in films from the time. Below that, a small part of the twisted remains of the World Trade Centre, reminding us that war and terror is not something from 50, 60 or 100 years ago.
I was pleased with how the shots came out. They are available light, no flash used. The Delta 400 performed well. This roll was processed in Rodinal at 1+50. I think this gives grainer results, than say ID11/D76, but not massively so. I’ll develop a roll of FP4 and see how that fares! I’ll also try 1+25 in due course!
S.H.O.U.T. 