romain veillon travels across europe to photograph fresco paintings in abandoned buildings

for his latest series – titled ‘the imaginary museum’ – french photographer romain veillon takes viewers on a journey through the abandoned buildings of europe to capture the beautiful paintings that have been left behind by their owners. documenting a bygone era when art was a symbol of wealth and importance, the collection of images makes us imagine what the frescos looked like in their heyday, before they became worn and faded over time. 

all images © romain veillon

the photographs form a stark contrast between luxury and decay, as the intricate paintings and grand rooms sit alongside heaps of stone rubble and cracks in the plaster walls. by capturing these dilapidated interiors, veillon compels viewers to feel as if they too have stumbled upon a forgotten work of art, which will soon be lost by the gradual deterioration and passing of time.

the ‘imaginery museum’ series was compiled during three years in which the photographer had the opportunity to travel around europe and especially italy. specializing in visiting abandoned places, veillon’s work establishes a dialogue between past, present and future. his photography captures the old-fashioned atmosphere of decrepit, destroyed or vandalized urban spaces, where nature gradually takes over. the full collection of images can be enjoyed on his website here. 

project info:

project name: the imaginary museum

photography: romain veillon

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom