I have been remastering my photographs - going back through my archives and editing them to the standard I work to today. This photograph I made is of the former Willow Court / Royal Derwent Hospital complex in New Norfolk. It was home to the first purpose built mental asylum in Australia and pre dates Port Arthur. It operated for over 170 years when it closed down in the late 20th Century. The complex was vast and included a fascinating mix of periods of design which reflected how mental health care evolved over time. I spent countless hours documenting the vast site which I am grateful to have done as sadly many buildings, especially those from the 1940 to 1970s have been lost through arson, neglect and demolition. To have documented the site when most of the buildings were still standing (albeit in various states of decay and arson) I am excited by - to have a visual record of how design changed over the years reflected how mental health care was implemented. Through design we can witness how society works and without documentation of this history we are left with just memories. A photograph doesn't bring the past back, but it does freeze a moment in time forever, something I really love undertaking so there is a record for posterity long after places and spaces are just memories

The former Willow Court / Royal Derwent Hospital complex in New Norfolk. It was home to the first purpose built mental asylum in Australia and pre dates Port Arthur running for over 170 years