Lost Mansion
By Rebecca Drew
EERIE images of an abandoned French mansion have revealed the former owner’s spooky collection of statues and animal remains.
The haunting pictures show how belongings have been left strewn across the bedrooms and how art has been taken from the walls to rest on the floor. Another shot provides insight into the owner’s hobbies as a dusty piano takes pride of place in one room accompanied by brightly striped sofas.
A spooky statue with half a face missing, spiral staircase and grand dining hall all stand hauntingly still. The photographs were taken by an urban explorer known as Urbex: Welcome in a Wild World using a Nikon D3200Â to capture the shots.
“I like discovering little hidden treasures that most people do not know about or do not take the time to admire,” he said.
“France has an architectural heritage that is most impressive and I find it pitiful to see it die away.
“It feels very good to give a second life to these superb buildings through my photography.
“Once I’m inside the place I try to soak up the atmosphere that reigns there and then I try to portray this feeling into my images.
“It’s important to immortalise them before they are permanently forgotten or even destroyed.
“People are often astonished at how someone can leave a place like the mansion.”
Urbex: Welcome in a Wild World says that urban exploration is his passion and hopes to introduce others to the practice.
“The message I wish to convey is to enjoy yourself and live your passion as you see fit,” he said.
“Introducing this practice to others gives a second life to buildings that deserve it.
“It’s also crucial to respect the places that you visit.”
Click to licence images.
