Beautiful Detritus: A Pictorial

From cherished doll collections to dented TV sets, the everyday objects seen in abandoned places can provide compelling clues to lives lived. But they can also raise more questions than they answer.

MG, seen in an abandoned camp, Pine Bush NY Photo by Liz Cooke

Jukebox, seen in an abandoned home for the aged, Dutchess County NY Photo by Andy Milford

Hot and cold faucets seen in an abandoned Catskills bungalow. Photo by Liz Cooke

Sweet Dreams. Forgotten dolls in a dusty attic. Photo: Andy Milford

Mid-century sofa, seen in an abandoned resort Photo by Andy Milford

Poolside at the Tamarack Lodge

Home entertainment, seen in an abandoned mobile home, near New Paltz NY Photo by Liz Cooke

Westinghouse Clothes Dryer, seen at Grossinger’s. Liberty, NY Photo by Joe Lehman

Beakers, seen in an abandoned laboratory Photo by Michael Bowman

Stacked sets. TVs seen in Tamarack Lodge, NY. Photo by Andy Milford

Take a seat, if you dare! Recliner seen in an abandoned mansion, Catskill NY. Photo by Andy Milford

The lost Continental, seen in an abandoned dairy, Wallkill NY Photo by Andy Milford

Old stove, seen in an abandoned Catskills farmhouse Photo by Andy Milford

Green chair, seen in an abandoned packaging plant, Orange County NY Photo by Bill Roque

All mod cons. A well equipped room in a swanky hotel. Sharon Springs, NY. Photo: Andy Milford

Mystery medical device, seen in an abandoned hospital, Putnam County NY Photo by Andy Milford

Elaborate clock, seen in an abandoned Catskills farmhouse Photo by Forsaken Photography

The iconic chair, seen at Bennett College, Millbrook NY Photo by Andy Milford

RCA TV, seen in an abandoned home for the aged, Dutchess County NY Photo by Liz Cooke