The Path to Khazad-dûm

In the fictional world of J. R. R. Tolkien, Moria, also named Khazad-dûm, is an ancient subterranean complex in Middle-earth, comprising a vast labyrinthine network of tunnels, chambers, mines and halls under the Misty Mountains (Wikipedia).

In the real world, the area around where I live has been quarried and mined since Roman times.  The Victorians left huge underground complexes that were used in WWII for ammunition depots and aircraft factories before being converted to a Cold War seat of government, sometimes dubbed the Underground City.  Much of this remains under strict MoD control, both above and below ground) but some older quarries, tunnels and spoil heaps are accessible in thickly wooded areas and give a visual connection to Tolkien's fictional world.

This project will photograph the accessible mine entrances, stone-faces and spoil heaps to illustrate a journey into Moria/Khazad-dûm. It will show the sealed entrances and pose the question: are we being kept out or is something being locked in?  Post processing of the images will emphasise the feeling of darkness, gloom and danger ahead as the journey goes from colour to darkness.