
This photograph, which was shot on 5x4 Vericolor film, is one of a series that I photographed under the most horrific circumstances of my life.
The client manufactured Sludge pumps (and the ancillary pipes and fittings) and we had been commissioned to produce a brochure for them.
When we arrived at the sewage treatment plant for the city of Toronto we were greeted by the manager of the plant with the news that they had suffered five major bursts during the previous night so perhaps we would like to return after we had had lunch which would give them the chance to clean up.
I still did not grasp the full significance of his remarks until we returned and descended into the “Wet Room”.
We had been issued with white protective helmets but they were of little protection against the “matter” which was moving along overhead channels. The smell was unbelievable.
I wanted to turn tail and run but we had contracted to design and produce their brochure so that was not an option.
I did have their pipes and fittings painted in sunny yellow and we had the 8-page brochure printed on glossy premium stock so it looked bright and cheerful when it was done — although no-one followed up on my suggestion that we should incorporate a scratch-’n-sniff patch in it.
This photograph was taken in the newly-cleaned-up pump room.