Professional photographer, environmentalist and philosopher Ian Macdonald-Smith cares passionately about Bermuda — so passionately, in fact, that from 1986-1996 he documented the effects of neglect on the Island’s once-beautiful, pristine and historic areas before they disappeared forever.

“It was really a race against time,” he says of the project.

Charming examples of Bermuda’s architecture, historic forts, nautical landmarks and more are among the many treasures which have been allowed to rot, decay and be defaced.

Mr. Macdonald-Smith’s lens is as frank as his preface, and indeed many of the images in his new book, ‘Bermudian Ruins,’ are deeply disturbing, as they should be.

There can be few who will turn the 156 pages and not feel at least regret if not guilt at what we, the custodians of our heritage, have allowed time and the elements to deface.

It is no accident that the author has framed each of his colour images against a black background, under each of which he has chosen an appropriate, and equally thought-provoking quotes from a very wide range of cultures and people.

“I have used international proverbs to let everyone know that wisdom is universal,” Mr. Macdonald-Smith says. “They were drawn from 15 different dictionaries of quotations and collected over 14 years.

“They reflect my belief as a philosopher that others have articulated my feelings far more effectively. I also feel that it is important not only to share that wisdom but also to put it into a more approachable framework than dry academic philosophy”.

In terms of the images themselves, the photographer-philosopher says he has tried to “share some of my travels on this Island from a compartmentalised perspective. We have elements of our society which are neglected from a physical and metaphysical perspective.”

Mr. Macdonald-Smith also notes that, while decay, rot and destruction figure prominently in his work, even these elements are not totally synonymous with ‘ugly’.

“There are elements of decay which really are quite charming and romantic, and there are elements which are not. I think I have combined these in the book to show both, with an emphasis on the charming and the romantic.”

Indeed, not all of his images are grim evidence of neglect and decay. Some simply record scenes for posterity, and include the bright hues of our waters and skies, and there are even touches of humour.

Before reaching the photographs in his book, the author takes the reader on a three-page written journey along the road to ‘Bermudian Ruins’, beginning with the motivation and planning behind his mission “to capture much of what made Bermuda unique before it fell victim to the bulldozer and cement mixer”, and then going on to synopsise the various elements in the Island’s history which have led to today’s state of affairs.

Mr. Macdonald-Smith’s concise style is forthright and to the point, but not a personal “rant”. His topics are wide-ranging, and touch on everything from socio-economics, to maintenance and enhancement of our infrastructure, the environment, Independence, politicians, tourism, social responsibilities, the Island’s geographical importance and tenuous future, and more.

Each topic is preceded by a relevant quote, the purpose of which also defines what clearly has been a protracted, well-researched labour of love for the Island by one of its devoted sons.

“I quote others only the better to express myself,” while written by Michel de Montaigne, again sums up their use by the photographer-philosopher.

Very clearly, ‘Bermudian Ruins’ is one man’s plea to his fellow citizens to sit up and pay attention before it is too late. More than a just coffee table book, it is an insight into the past, from which lessons can be learned to improve and shape a better future for the generations to come, “where there is opportunity for all; where governance of the Island is in the best interests of all and not a select few, whoever they may be; where the environment is protected above all other economic interests, for without a truly healthy and restored environment, we are all poor and consequently suffer; and where the pursuit of peace and happiness can be achieved”.

A project so long in the making obviously required a great deal of dedication and hard work, neither of which the author found daunting. Among those with a mind for fine detail, he notes that the order in which the images are presented run from scenic to macro, while the accompanying proverbs reflect the cycle of life — both the result of careful planning.

“I like a challenge, and I enjoyed it,” Mr. Macdonald-Smith says of the process. “It is not a pretty book, it is a beautiful book.”

Certainly, it is a valuable addition to anyone’s library, and just in time for Christmas giving.

‘Bermudian Ruins’ is stocked at all major bookstores in Hamilton and St. George’s as well as Mr. Macdonald-Smith’s gallery, Just Clicked, in Bermuda House Lane (between Front and Reid Street), where he will also sign copies. The price is $50.

For further information on Mr. Macdonald-Smith, see web site www.imacsmith.com

Capturing Bermuda's beauty