The printing plant will soon be moving to its new facility in Líšeň. We’re taking our last photo on Valchařská Street. We’ve done a few recces, checking out the light and the location. The platform is moving. The best shot is over the Svitava River, looking into the courtyard. The whole factory, a piece of the chimney. Perfect light at 7:30 p.m.—but the social event starts at 2:00 p.m.
Beer and a pig in the courtyard. One after another. Far from ideal light. How will it end? The women protest that they have to go home soon, telling me to hurry up and just take the photo right now—“it’s no big deal!” We educate them on lighting and explain why it’s important to wait. We work our magic. We involve everyone in the process and lay out the papers in the courtyard, one next to the other. A white carpet of paper. Everywhere. Suddenly everyone wants to wait—and that’s good. Beer and pork. Beer and pork. Some have really had their fill, like at a good party. Everything is fine! Seven o’clock has struck, light is approaching, and everyone is dressing in black. A final farewell to the place.
Part funeral, part celebration of a new beginning. “Get down!” one of the tipsy ones yells at me. He probably can’t take it anymore.
I’m not climbing anywhere, and don’t move! We’re taking pictures.
Photography: Roman Franc with the help of Gabriel Fragner, Brno - Valchařská 36, June 18, 2025
