Photographer Christopher Payne got rare access to the deserted island North Brother Island, New York. His visits and images have now resulted in a book called North Brother Island. The Last Unknown Place in New York City.
It's one of New York's best kept secrets. Lying in plain sight of the city is an island which no one has inhabited for more than 50 years.
North Brother Island was once a quarantine station for patients with infectious diseases. It then provided accommodation for returning World War Two veterans and finally was a rehabilitation centre for drug-addicted youths.
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But in 1963 the complex was shut down and abandoned. Left behind was a campus of buildings, many of which have now been reclaimed by vegetation and nesting birds
The photographer Christopher Payne was granted rare permission to visit the island over the course of a number of years. His images are now on display in the book: "North Brother Island. The Last Unknown Place in New York City.''
Featured image shows the tuberculosis pavilion lobby.
Images via Slate. Story via Zeldman.
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