Colloferro, Italy copyright Douglas Stockdale 2012
I have been photographing roadside memorials since 2006. Initially I visualized this project in black & white and titled it ”In Passing”, which was published in LensWork magazine in 2008. I have come to understand that this project transcends a larger subject, one that in a way haunts me. Memory. And the retention of memory, to preserve the feelings and thoughts of events that have occurred.
So in a way, I found myself drawn back into photographing this same subject; roadside memorials as symbolic of memory and its preservation.
There are many, many ways to investigate memory, some subtle and others very direct. Perhaps this project is more in line with a direct investigation, as are not memorials about memory?? Perhaps on the surface level they can be understood in that context.
What intriges me about the roadside memorials is their multiplicity of the memories they evoke. One is probably obvious, for those who erected the memorial, it is to place symbols or mementos that might serve to recall the memories of that person. They are poignant reminders that a living, breathing individual lived a full life at one time. These are also reminders of the memory that a tragic accident occurred at or near this place and represents the horrific experience of pain and ultimate death.
Melancholy might be a good way to describe the feeling one obtains upon viewing these roadside memorials.
In the case above, I had noticed this small arrangement alongside the A1 between Rome and Ferentino, near the exit for Colloferro last September, making note that upon my return, I should photograph this roadside memorial if it was still there. A couple of days ago when back in Italy and driving south on the A1, I saw that this memorial was still present and made note of its precise location for the following day. I also noticed that this memorial did not seem as vibrant and bright as it appeared in September, perhaps the plastic flowers were aging under the Italian sun.
The following morning, it was raining cats and dogs in Rome. bummer, I did not have high expectations for my drive south towards Ferentino and photographing this memorial. As sometimes happens, things do not always work out as intended. During my drive South on the A1, something unexpected occurred; the rain let up to a slight drizzle and the clouds began to thin. Hope eternal. As I passed the exit for Colloferro, I made the decision to stop regardless and see what the conditions were. I did have an umbrella just in case and although awkward to use while creating photographs, it works well to save an otherwise difficult situation. By the time I stopped, which can be daunting on the A1 in Italy, the light and drizzle were almost perfect to create a very moody condition that seems to work well with this composition. Very nice and this image will work well with my portfolio and pending photobook submission.
Best regards, Doug
A very unique subject matter. My hat off to for choosing such a touching idea.
Comment by Matt George — January 21, 2012 @ 2:41 pm
Matt, thanks!
Comment by Doug Stockdale — January 21, 2012 @ 2:45 pm
Ever since I first saw your series, 3-4 years ago when I first followed your blog, I’ve been much more aware of road side memorials, especially the local ones and how often the flowers are renewed. I often wonder whether whether they are generally noticed and if they help in any way to curb peoples driving habits; they always strike a chord with me.
Here in the UK and somewhat different, I see a lot of benches with plaques, placed in memory of somebody or other, and I’ve often thought that they too would make an interesting series of images.
Comment by colingriffiths — January 21, 2012 @ 5:44 pm
Colin, thanks, I have noted that the care and maintanence of these memorials varies with those who construct them. I know of one in Napa (CA) for a woman motorcycle rider that her friends have an annual ride back to Napa to care for it. Others seem to whiter and parish away after being placed.
BTW, I will be in Norhern England (Manchester area mostly near in Chester, Wrexham and Bolton) on and off over the next six months and maybe more, starting tomorrow, so if you or anyone knows of one of these memorials, to give me a shout out as to where I might find it. And as American, I am still not ready to drive on the wrong side of the road just yet, as I don’t want a roadside memorial put up on my behalf any sooner than neccessary.
Comment by Doug Stockdale — January 21, 2012 @ 6:10 pm
Sorry Doug, I don’t know of any specific sights, but the M6 is a very busy motorway that cuts though that area and bridges over motorways are often a classic place where memorial flowers are tied to railings. Out of interest, I just did a search on Flickr for “roadside memorials” and there’s a couple of related groups.
Comment by colingriffiths — January 21, 2012 @ 6:20 pm
Colin, thanks for the pointers. Besides the big motorways, are these common in the UK on the smaller side roads? Regardless, I will ask a few of my fiends in this area to keep a look out for me. I enjoy a challenge.
Comment by Doug Stockdale — January 21, 2012 @ 7:32 pm
Yes they are, very common. I think of several in the near vicinity of where I live, both suburban (often very sad and involving children, I often stop to take note) and on rural lanes. Sometimes you see them in places where folk just used to like walking and the memorial is places in recognition of the fact. Here’s one I recorded deep in the middle of some local woods
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x-AWydt2IV0LIIlPBi2HH2DGFdTGELtp0YICRWN1o1c?feat=directlink
I’m sure you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied and I’ll look forward to seeing your images!
Comment by colingriffiths — January 21, 2012 @ 9:44 pm