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Opened in 1961, The Former Fanling Magistracy in Hong Kong was the perfect example of the period’s civic architecture. The Magistracy was the first and the only one to serve the district until it was retired and replaced by the Fanling Law Courts Building in 2002. The Magistracy remained vacant until it was revitalised under the Government’s Batch III of Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme and became The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group’s Leadership Institute. Many old structures, including one of the courts, the detention area, internal architecture, and items from 1960-80, are retained and exhibited. During its vacancy period, the venue served as a backdrop for numerous movies, providing a potent portrayal of judiciary scenes from the 70’s and 80’s, including notable films like Inferno Affairs II.
Having spent my entire life in the Fanling district, the Magistracy, a mere five-minute walk from my home has always intrigued me. Its true nature was a mystery until the day it opened to the public, allowing me a glimpse into what was previously only imaginable.
Embarking on this documentary project during my MA studies at Falmouth University marked my first foray into photography. My objective was to encapsulate the Magistracy’s essence at that moment in time and, at the same time, my emotional journey towards understanding and conveying its significance. The project, aptly named ‘LINES’, reflected my initial impressions of the Magistracy— suppressive, uncompromising, daunting, and stern.