Absent Presence 2014 - 2020
In the nuanced exploration titled "Absent Presence," the seemingly overlooked architectural oddity of bricked-up windows becomes a visual investigation. Belonging to London’s narrative, these concealed apertures resonate with histories obscured by time and taxation.
Originating from the era of the notorious 'window tax,’ in the UK, these enigmatic features bear witness to the pragmatic responses of property owners to evade fiscal constraints. The tax, implemented in 1696 and repealed in 1851, left an indelible imprint on the urban landscape, manifesting in bricked-up windows that transcend mere functional adaptation.
Surprisingly, many of these ghostly imprints persisted beyond the tax's repeal, creating a palimpsest of architectural history. They stand as poignant remnants, embodying the building's evolution and reflecting the essence of what was present but is no longer visible. Seeing the depiction of these architectural traces, side by side, apart from noticing their functional quality one can discover a humourful observation of the building’s development.