urban

Liminal space

A liminal space is a transitional place or state of being, literally from the Latin word “limen” meaning “threshold,” that is caught between what was and what will be. These are physical spaces like empty hallways or psychological states like major life changes that evoke a complex mixture of feelings, often an unsettling blend of familiarity, nostalgia, and unease. Examples include waiting rooms, deserted parking lots, or the period of adolescence.

The Hackney Mole Man

William Lyttle the mole man

Lyttle arrived in London from his home country of Ireland in the mid-sixties when he inherited 121 Mortimer Road in the London borough of Hackney from his parents. Records show Lyttle’s occupation listed as civil engineer but no evidence exists that he was qualified or ever had a career in civil engineering.

Lyttle excavated an extensive network of tunnels under his property and surrounding public and private land from the 1960’s to 2000’s. Rather than being a recluse, Lyttle was described as a rather chatty, eccentric, energetic character who would often be seen at local scrap yards and markets.