In December 2013, Bisser gave Blackfriars Cafe in Southwark what it deserved: a one-off beautification before its materiality will be replaced by a residential construction on the back of regeneration plans in the area. Blackfriars Cafe closes its eyes after a brief lifetime of 35 years; half the expected lifetime of a human being. When Bisser finished, we gathered, photographed the work, admired the building and waved Blackfriars Cafe a final “good bye”. With the first beautification and exhibition behind us, we are currently preparing for the next episode.
Write to tom@lastbreathproject.co.uk if you want to witness the next Last Breath of a remarkable, soon-to-be-demolished building or if you desire to be one of the next “beautifiers”.
View Bisser’s work here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bisser/178049112247204
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When inspecting the building a couple of months ago, an elderly man appeared with his camera in his hands. He told me he drops by weekly to photograph the transition and decay of the building. He himself, used to go to the cafe as a teenager with his parents. The man shared nostalgic reminiscing and after taking his final picture, he remarked, “I am really sad this is happening, it feels as if a part of my childhood is being taken away from me”.
Last Breath 