Ledge Lighthouse 10-9-2012

Heading out on the water toward New London Ledge Light in Groton gives you an immediate appreciation for its unusual offshore architecture. Converting this portrait to high-contrast monochrome strips away distracting maritime color and puts all the focus on the historic structure’s rugged masonry, foundation, and weathering over the decades.

The square, multi-story brick lighthouse rests solidly on a massive concrete and stone pier rising directly from the choppy harbor water. Heavy overcast clouds roll across the background sky, framing the lantern room, dormer windows, and worn foundation with clean, timeless architectural detail that stands out cleanly on any screen.