The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural landmark. Formed some 60 million years ago through intense volcanic activity, it consists of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that cascade into the sea, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly landscape.
Beyond its geological wonder, the site is also etched into rock history. It was here that the photographs for Led Zeppelin’s 1973 album “Houses of the Holy” were taken. The shoot, led by Aubrey Powell of the London-based art design group Hipgnosis, featured child models Stefan and Samantha Gates. Over the course of ten rain-soaked days, the team tried to capture the mystical light of dawn and dusk, but constant clouds and bad weather made it a frustrating task. The children were photographed in black and white, and the images were later multi-printed to create the illusion of 11 figures seen on the final cover. Though initially unsatisfactory, accidental tinting effects in post-production produced the now-iconic artwork.
ADDRESS:
44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, Great Britain
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