St Dunstan in the East, London, England by Nynke Altenburg

Whilst out walking in London, I was struck by the unique atmosphere of St Dunstan in the East. Nature has carved out its own space amongst the ancient stones of this former church. Plants grow luxuriantly behind the open church window and wind their way across the walls. It is precisely this contrast between the weathered architecture and the fresh greenery that makes this place so special.

Just as I took this photograph, the sun shone straight through the empty window. This cast a beautiful shadow of the window frame onto the stone floor, almost like a drawing created especially for that moment. For me, that subtle detail completes the image.

The photograph exudes tranquillity whilst also possessing an air of mystery. The ancient walls tell of the past, whilst the greenery shows that nature always finds its own way. For me, therefore, this image also symbolises transience and renewal: even amidst ruins, space emerges for new life.

With this photograph, I wanted above all to capture that special moment of light, shadow and nature. A small piece of hidden beauty in the heart of bustling London. When displayed in an interior, the work not only brings the atmosphere of London indoors, but also a sense of tranquillity, timelessness and natural beauty.