Pictures at an Exhibition - the photography thread

Haha, I'll be sure to remember this if by some stroke of luck I find myself in Portugal or Spain.

Yes, buildings with history are little gems. I'm constantly searching for old, historic towns or sections of towns, it's amazing what you can find. I think I get my best photos from these kind of places, be it old plantation houses to 19th century industrial remnants, and it helps that I live next to a city that was a industrial powerhouse in the late 19th and early 20th century. The history in Birmingham is sad, dark, yet amazing and beautiful at the same time. 

Here is a late 19th century home. It was dubbed as "the most elegant country home in Georgia". Suffered a fire in 2001, thankfully it's still in a restorable state.

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

This is inside a watchtower from a nearly 200 year old armory, turned barracks, prison, and finally mental asylum. The infamous Indian Geronimo was held in the prison here.

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

The old Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railroad Companies Ensley steel works plant, operated from 1888 to 1976. 

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Historic photo.

Six story building in downtown Bham, known as the Ideal Building, originally built for the Ideal Department store in 1928. Has been used over the years for various functions including retail and office space. It is currently being renovated for use as lofts. It was renovated in the mid 80's, which unfortunately covered up a lot of the unique and beautiful architecture on the inside, into a very generic and boring office look. Drop down ceilings, bland colors, cheap and functional looking. Butt ugly.

This photo was an attempt to show the original lobby architecture and 80's renovation. Why would you want to cover up something so ornate?

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Also, an ancient panic door mechanism leading to the fire escape. Same building.

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Cotton Gin Mill built in 1838, the first major industry in Alabama and for a time the leading producer of cotton gins in the world.

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Stonewall Companies building, built 1925 and originally known as the Martin Office building. it originally housed the Birmingham City Council. in the 40's it came to house the FBI's Birmingham division, and throughout the years also housed the American Life Insurance Company and Stonewall Insurance Company.

In 2008 plans to turn the building into apartments were started, but came to a halt during the 08-09 economic dive.

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

Untitled by Alex, on Flickr

I had no intentions of turning this post into a lesser known Alabama and Georgia history lessen, I get carried away with this easily. I'm going to stop or I'll be up all night doing this.