Two Coats by Barry Cawston

Captured within the decaying walls of the J W Evans silversmiths in Birmingham, this evocative image documents a vanishing industrial history. The photographer was drawn to the poignant juxtaposition of two abandoned coats and framed dog portraits against a backdrop of neglect. The scene is transformed into a painterly composition by the pervasive bird droppings that coat the surfaces, creating a textured, almost surreal aesthetic. This photograph is award-worthy for its ability to elevate a scene of urban decay into a profound narrative, balancing historical documentation with a striking, artistic sensibility that captures the quiet, haunting atmosphere of a site once bustling with life.