This evening I though that I’d have a look through some old images from way back when I started in this game. This was my fourth visit to Pyestock. Its the National Gas Turbine Testing Establishment. Pyestock was used to test jet engines from the 1950’s onwards. This is thee inside of Cell 3. I believe this view is no longer assessable unless climbing gear or a long ladder is used. the thoick access doors have now been welded shut.
The film Sahara was shot here and the jagged doors are part of the props that were left after the filming was completed.
Jet engines were placed in the area in which I am standing and fired up. They would be tested for heat and cold performance to make sure that there were no issues that may cause accidents. This was truly a place of men in white coats and pencils behind their ears.
The whole establishment is massive and unfortunately earmarked for demolition sometime. Its going to be replaced by a Tesco (UK supermarket chain) distribution centre. Yet another piece of history and engineering heritage lost forever.
Click the image for a larger version and full gallery
Superb shot Mark. The mood oozes out giving it quite a foreboding quality.
Great lighting in this shot.
Those misty light rays are great, you’ve added something a bit different to this much photographed door at Pyestock.
Wow Mark, your image looks like it came from a movie set, what an astonishing capture! I cannot believe that a supermarket is going to be responsible for the loss of this fantastic site, how totally disappointing! If it wasn’t for you and your fantastic abilities behind the shutter there, this stuff would be lost forever without any fanfare at all. I just love following your work. What an amazing picture.
Mark, this is just incredible! I agree with Toad. Damned shame this piece of history is going away so people can shop for Pringles and Pepsi. So glad you were able to capture and preserve it in imagery.
What a great image! Nice work in capturing the mood. I agree with Toad and Bob, it’s a shame this is going away.
Amazing processing (as usual)!
Very cool shot, Mark. I love your use of light in this one…really brings the eye to the focal point.
Great shot Mark – I really need to get over there and see this place before it’s gone for good; I agree that this looks like it’s a movie set but now see why after reading your post.
sweet shot! It’s a shame this place is going to replaced by a grocery store. I find shots like this way more tasty than what you find in the snacks aisle 🙂
Worse than that, its going to be the largest Tesco distribution point in Europe . .what a waste of industrial heritage.