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Line 1 is a book by Cumbrian photographer Helen Rafferty. Helen’s photographic practice is rooted in analogue processes complemented by exposure, chemical and mechanical manipulation techniques alongside digital processes to explore the relationship between experience and the preserved image.
Line 1 records a journey on the IC 204 sleeper train from Budapest in Hungary through northern Romania to Brașov in April 2024.
The train is named ‘Corona’ after the historic Latin name of Brașov. The Corona uses a refurbished 1960s wood-panelled sleeper carriage and carries a full service Hungarian buffet car, where you’ll be more than welcome to drink pálinka into the early hours.The dim corridor lights, the long-dried paint sliding statically down the window panes, the midnight clank of rails and the slow screech of brakes evoke a distant era of travel, and a connection to the mechanical that is often missing from the sterile traverse of air travel.
Line 1 explores the experience of connectedness and groundedness to a journey and a place, while recognising the temporal nature of overland travel from and to a place. The images explore elements that are fixed and aged, and experiences that are fleeting.
SPOOL Series is an ongoing photobook publication featuring work of all genres from established and up and coming photographers.
All proceeds from sales support future publications.