ADVERTISEMENT

Somebody once said that to understand society at a given point in time, look at their restrooms.

That somebody was me. I don’t know if it is true because I just made that up, but it can certainly feel like the decor and functionality of restrooms, both public and private, say a lot about us and the times we are living in – even if the restroom itself is stuck in time. Do you prefer them looking sterile and harsh? Cozy and kitschy? Luxurious to a fault? Basic and no-frills? High-tech? Perhaps you prefer them done with decor that makes no sense, executed with reckless abandon for any and all design rules as though a monkey on amphetamines went through a curbside dumpster and thought, “yes, this will be perfect!”

More info: arabellaproffer.bigcartel.com | twitter.com | Instagram

For five years, I've been documenting the restrooms around Cleveland that I happened to find myself in. It started as a joke on Instagram, and just kept going. I can’t quite articulate what the criteria were, but my gut always told me when it was something worth a photo. These are interiors that rarely get documented unless they are designed as “selfie bait”. Sure, some restrooms clearly had a big budget, but it is always interesting to see what can be done with a meager budget. Documenting is important because you never know what will be gone tomorrow.

In the short number of years since I started this project as a fun hashtag #restroomsofcleveland, several of these restrooms have been redone or have disappeared completely. The gentrification of cities has erased character and replaced it with subway tiles and Edison bulbs; the rustbelt has been slowly following the “AirSpace” aesthetic much to my disappointment.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Bars, theaters, warehouses, grocery stores, private clubs, pinball arcades, museums, schools, churches, furniture stores, and coffee shops are just some of the places you will find in the photo book I compiled – simply titled “The Restrooms of Cleveland.” It is a testament to the fact I hydrate often and have a weak bladder with little regard for location. I wish I had time to tell you my own stories within these facilities; exposed electrical wire, celebrity sightings, girl fights, dance parties, vomit, perfect selfie lighting, and unpaid counseling sessions. There was the time I found myself on my knees under a bride’s dress to fix a mishap, the time I tried desperately to keep the makeshift door closed with one foot while in the dressing room reserved for strippers, and the time a raccoon visited me while minding my own damn business! I’ve seen it all in Cleveland, Ohio, man.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ginabooths avatar
Gina Booths
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so weird to see a neon light of the Chinese character 'porridge' in a bathroom, and the character is not even positioned correctly..

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
acsdp86 avatar
Amy Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like the ladies in the old Montague Arms in New Cross

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#18

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
annemariemattheyse avatar
Annemarie Mattheyse
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the black-and-white/teal combination. It's very calming, somehow.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#25

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
hallabaloo_meow avatar
Let’s All Just Try And Be Decent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of obviously a dressing room for actors to get ready for theatre shows.... not a bathroom. I'm

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#32

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#34

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
vexboxx avatar
Vex Boxx
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dunno, I'm a little uncomfortable with a picture of a dude who killed his girlfriend hanging up like "yeah, this is what cool looks like." No, not it does not.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsgm2fw avatar
Zoe's Mom
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not an ugly bathroom; it needs some cleaning; maybe storage but it's nice as is.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#42

I Spent Five Years Photographing Bathrooms In Cleveland.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
johnlm1981 avatar
John Montgomery
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who knew you could have something like an outhouse or portapotty indoors.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda