There’s a lot to say for studio
shooting, when the mercury slides into single figures. However, Krystal and I
weren’t deterred by November’s chill, so went in search of something quite
dramatic.
Beacon Hill Fort has been a fort
since Tudor times. It was subsequently upgraded to meet the needs of both World Wars. The
fort was finally decommissioned I 1956, and had been steadily reclaimed by
Mother Nature, Graffiti artists and transient visitors, in the decades since.
It has been purchased by Barry Sharp and Paul Valentine. Not for redevelopment, but rather restoration.
The roads, buildings and structures are being cleared of 20th/21st
century rubbish. Anything that remained at decommission, will be retained. Trees,
ivy and other foliage damaging the structures, is being removed and any unsafe
areas fenced off.
The vision is to reconnect
services, electricity and telephones to appropriate buildings, restoring them to their decommissioned state. Their intention is that Beacon hill will be re-opened and managed, for the benefit of the local community.
Serendipity is a recurrent theme
of my location shoots…Having found the site, we began shooting at outbuildings
and sea defences, accessible from the roadside. 90 minutes later, we were
feeling the cold. Back to the relative comfort of my MK1 KA’s heater and some refreshment.
Ten minutes hence, curiosity got the better of us. So, we walked to
the main gate and I contacted Barry Sharp, on the off-chance we might be
permitted access. In principle, he had no problems with my request. He graciously invited us to speak with Paul, who was already on site.
Within a
few minutes. Paul arrived at the gates and
graciously invited us inside. We were given a map detailing access points and agreed to the “Own risk” proviso. My
experience in industrial contexts and indeed, previous professions means I risk
assess very carefully, and understand the potential dangers presented. Although
Krystal was rather perturbed at finding herself stood in a pentagon, while posing
in the observation tower’s upper floor!
By 2.45, light was at a premium.
However, we worked quickly and achieved the desired results.
A big "thank you" to Barry and
Paul, for being such generous and accommodating hosts.
