Sunday, February 2, 2025

Antiquity Project: The Fortress




The Antiquity Project: The Fortress
Troy, New York
Large Format Image 

This series is part of my Antiquity Project, capturing landscapes reminiscent of the late 1800s through traditional photography techniques. Photography of that era emphasized expansive views, revealing as much detail as possible. The Fortress, with its imposing form and historical significance, is a perfect subject for the project.

Troy’s “Fortress of Shoddy” stands as a striking reminder of the city’s industrial heyday. Located at 1 Jackson Street in South Troy, this six-story Romanesque Revival structure was built in 1902 as a warehouse for the United Waste Manufacturing Co., a leading producer of “shoddy”—fabric made from recycled wool and cotton scraps. Once essential for workwear and even military uniforms, shoddy’s reputation for poor quality led to the industry’s decline.

The building’s fortress-like architecture, complete with corner turrets, a central tower, and massive brick walls, symbolized the strength of Troy’s industrial power. Surviving hazardous conditions, including a deadly fire in 1908, the structure has since served various purposes. Its raw, timeless design—with towering beams, vaulted corridors, and minimal windows—offers the perfect opportunity to capture images that could have been taken in the late 1800s. The Fortress stands as a symbol of Troy’s industrial past and an ideal subject for my Antiquity Project.

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