Part of the barnyard of Middleton Plantation, South Carolina.
The property was first built around 1730, bigger buildings added through the mid 1800’s.
In 1865, during the US Civil War, much of the property was burned or damaged by Federal forces.
The current walls on the property were constructed with the original bricks from the ruined north flanker and main building.
This house considered of nationally significant as a well-executed and preserved example of Adam style architecture. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
It was built in 1803, owned by Joseph Manigault son of a wealthy trader and planter, and one of the wealthiest people in North America.
Note; photographed with OM-1 (1), Om12-100 f4, finished with Lightroom, DxO Silver Efex, Topaz DeNoise.
The Aiken-Rhett house is considered to be one of the best standing examples of a classic southern antebellum home.
Below, even the flight of stairs shows the wealth and luxury of the era prior to the Civil War.
Charleston, South Carolina circa 1850.
For a while I did what most photographers do when shooting historic buildings. I would find an angle, get what light I could, and shoot as wide as I could.
There is so much to see in the details of the old houses though. Now I shoot wide, then shift to capture the little things.
All through the main floor you typically find ceiling Medallions and moldings made with plaster.
Homes of the wealthy had music rooms, children learned to play music. The preferred instrument of torture was a huge harp.
Candle sconces, with crystal, were in every cranny.
Photographed with OM-1(1), OM 12-100 f4 pro.
A home built in 1820, preserved as is circa 1850.
A photographers dream house.
The Manigault House, Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina. Built in 1803.
My plan was to enter the old manor house and pass directly through the side entrance into the cellar and through a storage area. The goal was to avoid any work being done. A nice way to say ‘no people’.
It worked.
Built in 1830 I’m sure there’s something happening constantly. Also because the property is of significant architectural importance everything is done very carefully.
Below I found an old handmade wooden rake and a pre-electric sewing machine table, no sewing machine though (Ellen has one that would fit inside perfectly, but I don’t see it leaving our house anytime soon).
We went into the property through this circuitous route because I wanted to photograph the back property, slave quarters, and courtyard before anybody was moving around.
Aiken-Rhett house, Elizabeth Street, Charleston, South Carolina.
This ‘Monochrome Monday’ it’s an Alligator that swam through the duck weed and crawled up to dry.
He has no idea, or care, that he is covered in weeds. Their hide is like thick armor. He doesn’t feel a thing.
