Detroit experienced astonishing growth at the end of the 19th century, transforming into a thriving metropolis. Now the once-booming car factories are eerie ruins and neighbourhoods that were home to vibrant communities are in danger of vanishing. But, as this selection of images from the collection at Detroit Urbex also reveal, not all is lost



• Photography Then and Now lets you leap through time by clicking the historic image to reveal the modern view – you can drag or swipe to control the speed



• The death of a great American city: why does anyone still live in Detroit?

