This one slipped through the net: I travelled with journalist Pamela Buxton to photograph architect Eric Parry at Hamburg’s striking Chilehaus. The shoot was for Building Design magazine’s ongoing Inspirations series, where architects choose buildings that have inspired them during their careers. The article was published, I believe, several weeks ago (behind paywall).

Eric was a knowledgeable and passionate host for the day, providing an insight into the building that I would never have obtained if I had visited by myself. We even sneaked inside to get some shots of the lobbies and stairwells, keeping an eye out for security which never materialised.

The building, constructed from dark brick, was spectacular. It’s an early 1920s office building designed in the brick expressionist style by architect Fritz Höger. The most famous feature is the sharply angular corner that looks like a ship’s prow, revealing that it was built for shipping magnate Henry B Sloman, who made his fortune importing saltpetre from Chile.

I particularly liked the sculptural elements of the building, such as lizards and tortoises in the hallways (I guess the wildlife of Chile, but forgive me if I’m wrong!).