Silvija Drazdziulyte for Lampoon online in Harlow Town: «imposing structures that once symbolized progress and modernity now stood as stoic witnesses to the passage of time»
Silvija Drazdziulyte for Lampoon Digital Edition
Title: Harlow town
Harlow town, similar to my hometown, was planned after the second world war plans drawn by Sir Frederick Gibberd and landscapes by Sylvia Crowe. In its current state it’s a capsule of the past, with most of its town center looking derelict. As it is under a threat of creeping redevelopment and modernity, which makes it an even more poignant reason to explore it before time washes over.
While visiting Harlow Town, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia coming over me. The rugged, brutalistic charm of its industrial cement buildings transported me back to my hometown in Alytus, Lithuania. Both places seemed to share an uncanny resemblance, as if they were long-lost twins separated by thousands of miles.
The tall, imposing structures that once symbolized progress and modernity now stood as stoic witnesses to the passage of time. As I ventured deeper into Harlow’s urban landscape, memories of my childhood in Alytus resurfaced, intertwining with the sights and sounds of this new place. It was a peculiar feeling, like stepping into a parallel universe where echoes of the past resonated with the present.
Harlow Town had become a bridge connecting my two worlds. It has become clear to me through the enduring power of architecture, that never mind the ideologies, the sentimental value stays the same. Whether it is a social or capitalistic environment the dream and the initiative for the better, can always evaporate and leave the citizens with the same promise that never comes to life in the end.
Silvia Draz
Silvia Draz is a Lithuanian photographer currently based in London. Represented by Stickystuff Agency. She works with clients and collaborators across the arts, beauty and fashion sector.
Her work is featured in VOGUE, ELLE, GQ, PAPER, PUSS PUSS, L’OFFICIEL, ODDA, WONDERLAND and other publications. Some of Silvia’s clients include Vestiaire Collective, New Balance, Filling Pieces, Bodyshop, 3ina, Bianca Saunders, Jan Jansen, Ragged Priest
Photography Silvia Draz, Styling Sandra Solé
Photographer: Silvia Draz @silviadraz
Stylist: Sandra Solé @sandrarayso
Model: Wenquin Liu @nextmodels
MUA: Chiharu Wakabayashi @chiha0313
Hair Stylist: Takumi Horiwaki @taku_hair
Production Company: TinaLDN @tina__ldn
Producer: Charlotte Skeate @the_other_charlotte
Stylists Assistant: Carlota Rodrigues @carlotalrodrigues
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