BY THE SILENT LINE
As an odd reminiscence, all across Europe stand vestiges of its Industrial Revolution. During the 18th century, as the population kept on increasing, new techniques were developed to produce more, faster and at a lower cost. This wave of radical changes culminated in the development of the railways, which gave a strong impulse to the entire economy.
© Pierre Folk
One of greatest vestiges – however unknown – of the Industrial Revolution lies in Paris. A 32km path surrounding the city, la Petite Ceinture is a derelict railroad track. Since its access has been closed Parisians have been unable to visit its trenches. The rails cross the entire city in anonymity, belonging to a forgotten past.
© Pierre Folk
Yet, la Petite Ceinture had its time of glory. In early 19th Century France, the various Parisian railway networks were not connected, and transfers were horse-drawn as the City of Light didn’t have large boulevards yet. The project became a necessity to facilitate the circulation of both goods and people. Its construction, seen as an invitation to progress, started in 1852. Traffic was already considerable during the very first years, and reached its apogee with the Universal Exhibition featuring the Eiffel Tower in 1901. However, its operation wouldn’t survive the automobile revolution, nor the advent of the underground system.
© Pierre Folk
On most of its course, la Petite Ceinture has produced nothing but silence since the 30’s. Oddly enough, it hasn’t gone to wrack and ruin. As a river, its shores constantly change over time, but it persists. Grasses, flowers and small trees sprout from its bed. The vestige has become a boundary on the fringe of society. An intimate place, where past and modernity make their acquaintance.
© Pierre Folk
At last, la Petite Ceinture is being likely to be reclaimed by modern society. A handful of lagging projects envisage partial conversion into public transportation or linear parks, just like la promenade plantée de Bastille in 1988, which partly inspired New York’s High Line redesign. It is time for farewell.
This work, started in 2011, is a way of maintaining the memory of a landmark and its rebirth. Somehow, these are photographs that can never be taken again.
© Pierre Folk