Bureau Central is part of a blast furnace company, with several branches in the region. Little information can be gathered about the history of the building itself. Originally erected in the last quarter of the 18th century, it underwent significant alterations and expansions during the 19th and 20th centuries. Bureau Central housed the central management and administration of the company.
In the early 1980s, the by then outdated building was abandoned. Since then, decay has progressed rapidly, notwithstanding its classification as a heritage site in 1987. The central hall, in particular, with its vaulted skylight, has suffered greatly from the elements. With its long, seemingly endless corridors and diffuse lighting, this building is a dream location for photographers with a preference for the abandoned.
Originally the estate also housed the chateau. It belonged to the noble family that owned the company, but it was demolished several years ago.
During the first visit in 2019, it was already quite late in the day and getting dark. As a result, the visit was too short to view the entire building. In 2022 I returned for a second visit, during which I had more, better, and longer light. Decay had clearly not stood still since my first visit. Some parts had collapsed and the beautiful typewriter had vanished into thin air... Still, there was more than enough left to enjoy.
So much so that a third visit in 2024 yielded several more shots of parts of the building I hadn't gotten around to see on the previous visits... By now I have gotten to see the estate in spring, summer and winter. All in all a fairly extensive set of photos as a result.
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