What kind of building is this and where??

[dennford]

Would this ceiling be similar ?

[dennford]

Okay, so the ceiling isn't going to be much of a help in either dating or placing the room. It is what is called a groin vaulted ceiling and dates back as far as the Romans - it can be found in places all around the globe as far as Asia and America.
However I still reckon that it is a full size and as I said previously the general feel of it seems German/central europe.

                                        Denn

[martianuk]

OK, first I think I should clarify something here...
There are in fact two of us posting as 'Martian 1' for this topic only. Kirsty has posted the majority of the replies, but I (Hadyn!) have had a lot to say too. I'm the person who originally scanned it and has seen the originals - My sister (kirsty/martian1) pointed me to this website for help.

Ok, I've had quite a few replies to read since my first visit so I'll try and deal with the various points raised.

The idea of a glass ceiling made me think of something else - while I don't believe it is glass, it's made me realise that there is no visible light source, yet the room seems fairly well lit (possibly over exposure - I don't know a thing about developing techniques!). Must a flash have been used to give this illumination?
I don't believe it is a glass ceiling as there are symmetrical pillar type parts of the wall that jut out on either side (clearer on the left) about midway between the doors and the railings so a glass wall wouldn't have these structural type pillars.

Having seen the original glass negative, I can say that the 'studs' definitely have nothing to do with the room. They appear to have held it down during the developing process or something. Is it possible that this photo could have been taken on to photographic film and then transferred to glass somehow???

I'm really amused about all the talk of the 'ghost' as I certainly didn't mean to cause a whole talk on it (not saying that it's not fascinating!!). My immediate impression when I first scanned the image was just that it was some reflected light or maybe an area of over-exposure. It's also surrounded by a darker, under exposed area. I'm also sure you can see through it to the wall behind, so I've never thought it was a physical object. It also appears blurry, like it's not a solid object that is part of the room.

Maybe it's just my gut instinct, or maybe it's because I know about the crazy clairvoyant aunts who had a connection with this photo (who placed the cat in the high chair I believe), but I don't think it's a mock-up. I think this is genuinely someone's lodgings.

Looking at the odd ET like figure, could this be the room of an eccentric entertainer?

I'm currently away from home (hence the trouble trying to get the negative covers!) so am unable to do any high-res scans of specific areas. However, I do have these last two scans with me:

1. Close-up of back wall panel/mural

2. Close-up of photos on near table. Unfortunately they don't really appear any clearer!

Apologies for the long post guys, but you all keep giving me so much to think about and comment on!

Thanks for all the interest so far - can't wait to see where this leads!

Hadyn.

[dennford]

The idea of a glass ceiling made me think of something else - while I don't believe it is glass, it's made me realise that there is no visible light source, yet the room seems fairly well lit (possibly over exposure - I don't know a thing about developing techniques!). Must a flash have been used to give this illumination?
I don't believe it is a glass ceiling as there are symmetrical pillar type parts of the wall that jut out on either side (clearer on the left) about midway between the doors and the railings so a glass wall wouldn't have these structural type pillars.

Having seen the original glass negative, I can say that the 'studs' definitely have nothing to do with the room. They appear to have held it down during the developing process or something. Is it possible that this photo could have been taken on to photographic film and then transferred to glass somehow???

Hi Haydn,

     Almost certain to have been a plaster ceiling made with laths and wire mesh over a substructure - so I agree with you on the fact that it isn't glass. in fact it wasn't possible to make such a glass piece - and even nowadays would be quite a feat.

      Secondly, Prue did point out earlier that it was a photo of a photo hence the studs/tacks.

       As for the lighting, it isn't harsh enough to have been a flash, lighting as such is bi-directional, semi diffused and equally from left and right

[dennford]

Another thought about the lighting. A common practice among architectural photographers is/was what is called bounced flash. This softens the light scource, and to bounce a flash off this design of ceiling could possibly create a situation where the scource is split, thereby giving these bi-directional shaddows, the ceiling design would also cause the slight cut off of light at the top of the panel between the doors.



                                                        Denn

[goggy]

Well!
there,s got to be a mural in this topic,(BOOM BOOM!) it being I think,that we sould all settle down,stay off the cough mixture,and give the picture a more serious appraisal.
Having said which, and hopefully set all mind,s on the straight and slippery,I'll be in the Snug if required!
               Goggy.

[Lydart]

Its nearly 11 hours since I last looked in here ... and NO SOLUTION YET ?   Come on guys, what are you all doing ?  This has got to be solveable !

[Romilly]

This pic has obviously captured the attention of a lot of folk on here!!

I couldn't get it out of my head last night...(it looks like a Crypt to me still). I'm attaching a pic of a chap who looks like a suitable occupant for the room...

Romilly

[Lydart]

Oh Romilly, that is FOUL !!    Especially as I'm helping at a funeral today !!