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These incredible photos capture the beauty of the USA’s most iconic road

From dazzling signs to sun-blasted houses, Route 66 is the subject of a new exhibition by photographer Hayley Eichenbaum

Ed Cunningham
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Ed Cunningham
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Roads don’t get much more iconic than Route 66. From Chicago in the west to LA in the east, via Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, its 2,448 miles are one great, big cultural phenomenon. For many, still today, the road continues to embody freedom, escape – and the seemingly limitless potential of the American dream.

But people often forget just how varied Route 66 actually is. The landscapes that surround it aren’t just barren, dusty desert, and its architecture isn’t all diners, motels and gas stations. 

The photography of Hayley Eichenbaum celebrates that far more eclectic (and vibrant) side to the road. Her skies feature rich sunsets and stark moons, her buildings are clean and symmetrical, and her colours are crystal-clear and dazzling. In fact, the snaps are filled with such sharp angles and pristine landscapes that they feel slightly unreal – alien, even.

In an ongoing series called ‘The Mother Road’, Eichenbaum intends to pay homage to all the amazing retro buildings you can find along Route 66. Her prints are available to view or buy online from Homecoming Gallery, and they’ll be released as a book in 2022. In the meantime, here are a few of our favourites:

‘Tee Pee Curios’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

‘Manicured Church’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

‘Kingman Cypress’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

‘Moon Over Santa Monica'

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)Moon Over Santa Monica

‘Palm Springs Angles’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

‘Roadrunner Lodge’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

‘The Blue Swallow’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

‘Palms’

Route 66
Photograph: Hayley Eichenbaum (@inter_disciplinary) / Homecoming Gallery (@homecoming.gallery)

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