Exploring the Past: A Journey Through an Abandoned Belgian Factory (Part I)
There's a certain allure to abandoned places that beckons the adventurous spirit within us. Before Covid hit us, I and a friend embarked on a captivating journey to an abandoned factory in Belgium, where time had frozen, leaving behind a surreal landscape of decay and forgotten memories.
As I approached the factory, the imposing structure loomed against the overcast sky, its broken windows and weathered façade hinting at the stories it held within. Landlocked in the centre of a bustling town, and on a hot Summer’s day, all the usual entrances to the industrial estate were locked with 20’ high gates, barbed wire and glass topped looming walls. About to give up, we drove around the block one more time and spotted an alleyway with a pallet propped up against the dead end wall, Once over this, the entrance, once bustling with activity, now creaked open to reveal a forgotten world frozen in time.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of musty paper and dampness. Piles of decaying paperwork lay scattered across the floor, a poignant reminder of the lives that once revolved around the daily grind of the factory. Amidst the crumbling walls, faded invoices, and yellowed documents, the history of this place unfolded like a ghostly narrative.
Amidst the ruins, I stumbled upon a forgotten office space, untouched by time. A desk covered in a thick layer of dust held the key to unraveling the mystery – a vintage calendar from a bygone era. Its faded pages chronicled a year long past, a snapshot frozen in time.
As I carefully leafed through the delicate pages, it became apparent that this vintage calendar held more than just historical significance. It was a relic of a time when every day marked a new opportunity, a reminder of the passage of time in an era now lost to decay.
Inspired by this unique find, I've decided to share a piece of this forgotten history with you. I'm offering a limited number of meticulously reproduced calendars, capturing the essence of that abandoned factory and 11 other explores and the stories they held. Each calendar serves as a tangible connection to the past, a conversation starter, and a piece of art that embodies the beauty found in decay.
Exploring the abandoned factory in Belgium was not just a journey into the past; it was an opportunity to unearth stories hidden beneath layers of neglect. The vintage calendar I discovered serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the beauty that can be found even in the most unexpected places. Embrace the history, preserve the memories, and join me on this unique journey through time.
