Pictures of London in lockdown taken by homeless people go on display
Exhibition opens today.
An exhibition of photos taken in London during the lockdown by homeless people opens today.
It was created by a couple who paid people who live on the streets ÂŁ20 per disposable camera to capture scenes across the Capital.
Dan Barker said he and his wife Lucy wanted to do something to 'help people'.
The guidelines given to those who took part included, trying to take photographs in the day if possible, taking photographs of things they find interesting and spending no more than 1 hour 45 minutes taking photos, which would ensure their work was paid at London Living Wage.
In total six people took part, Carly, Darren, Joe, Craig, Kelly, Andre. During the project Kelly sadly died and the exhibition is being displayed in her memory.
Dan Barker, who with his wife Lucy organised and paid for the whole project, commented:
“The entire world has struggled over the past 12 months, but for many people in the UK and across the world, left without a home, it has been a very tough time. We personally have quite a few friends who are homeless, and decided to do something as the streets emptied and almost all sources of their income disappeared. We've enjoyed working with Carly, Darren, Joe, Craig, Kelly, Andre, and many other homeless people who came in and out of the project. The work they've produced is utterly unique: A view of the 'capital of the world', during a once in a lifetime event. People like you and me showing what life has been like, without a home, at a time we were all told to "Stay at home".”
Darren Fairbrass, one of the photographers, commented: "Living on the streets during the last year has been one hell of a challenge for sure, especially the first lockdown we had, as life completely disappeared out here. This photo project has made such a difference during the lockdown, and have had fun doing them and made life out here a bit easier as have had a way to earn a bit of money."
Joe Pengelly, another of the photographers, commented: "Living in a hostel where I don't have a permanent tenancy has been stressful. I have hardly any financial support so am having to beg still, I work selling magazines normally, but the magazine has been shut down. Taking photos has been interesting, confusing, inspiring, therapeutic and empowering because I am finally able to do something worthwhile for cash. In all, it's made me feel like I am living rather than just existing, and I am trusted with cash."
The photographic Out of Home exhibition will be available for all to see at St Martin-in-the-Fields, right beside Trafalgar Square, free of charge, from April 22nd