Tag Archives: black and white photograph

West Norwood Cemetery embraces dignified silence, being reflective, there is a deeply respectful and humbling sensation from visiting this cemetery. An appreciation of ones own allotted space in this metropolis we call a world that carries on regardless of individual circumstances. The realisation that time is the most precious resource we have freely inherited from our parents. Cemeteries are indeed emotive spaces and nowhere is this more evident than West Norwood Cemetery.

One of the magnificent seven cemeteries of London and recognised as a site of major historical, architectural and ecological interest. West Norwood Cemetery has the reputation of holding one of the finest collections of sepulchral monuments in London, featuring 69 Grade II and Grade II listed buildings and structures, including a dedicated Greek Orthodox necropolis with 19 listed mausoleums and monuments. Its extensive Gothic Revival architecture qualifies it as one of the significant cemeteries in Europe. The cemetery has a very active Friends of Group that aim to increase knowledge and appreciation of the Cemetery. The group hold general tours on the first Sunday of every month, special themed tours of the cemetery during the summer, and meetings with talks during the winter.

Dungeness

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Dungeness

I’ve recently been working on the central themes for my first exhibition to be held in February 2015. One of these themes is likely to be Dungeness, which as my mate Derek will confirm forms the largest natural shingle beach in Europe. It is also classified as Britain’s only desert by the Met Office. In addition to its nuclear power station and lighthouse there is a scattered collection of dwellings, sheds and discarded boats. Some of the homes, small wooden houses in the main, many built around old railway coaches are owned and occupied by fishermen, whose working boats also lie on the beach. The most famous house is Prospect Cottage, formerly owned by the late artist and film director Derek Jarman. His garden reflects the bleak, windswept landscape of the peninsula. The garden is made of pebbles, driftwood, scrap metal and a few hardy plants. A further house of Dungeness is represented on the cover of Pink Floyd’s album “A collection of great dance songs”. These six shots are working drafts from the first batch of photographs I recently took.

I don’t really know his name. I made Wild Bill up because he reminds me of the famous western character. It was purely an opportune moment. He was walking past me and I simply asked if I could take his photo. He smiled, said,“yes of course. Would you like me to take my hat off?” he asked. “If you don’t mind” I replied.

Wild Bill 1

Wild Bill 2

Wild Bill 3

Wild Bill 4

I quickly took these 4 shots and Wild Bill was quickly on his way. A perfect gentleman.

Pubs come in a variety of states and sizes. In a working class community, which I was brought up in they became one of the focus points of the local neighbourhood. Less so now with the advent of cheap take away booze from supermarkets, which seems to have pushed people increasingly to drink vast amounts of alcohol in the home and in many cases alone.