PHIL MAXWELL

Liverpool film sequence

March 21, 2013

This silent film accompanied Michael Nyman’s The Piano Sings tour 2005/06. Premiered at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. I remember watching the photographs with Michael Nyman’s live accompaniment and then visiting the Philharmonic Pub across the road! Here’s the link: Liverpool 1971-1981 (with some Liverpool photographs below):

A little girl in Liverpool 8, 1979

Street scene, Smithdown Road c.1980

Bishopsgate Goods Yard

March 20, 2013

These photographs of the fruit and veg stalls at Bishopsgate Goods Yard were taken recently on a Sunday. Sadly I think they are about to disappear.

Bishopsgate Goods Yard, 2013

Brick Lane Exhibition

March 19, 2013

In April next year I will be opening an exhibition on Brick Lane at the Rich Mix Centre in Bethnal Green. I’ve started to develop a file for the show. Here are a few images that may or may not make it into exhibition.

Betting shop, Brick Lane c.1983

Cafe, Brick Lane c.1983

Two men, Brick Lane c.1983

Brick Lane 2012

Margaret Thatcher & The Poll Tax

March 18, 2013

During a Q & A, following the screening of ‘East End Lives’ at a festival in France, I answered a question which suggested the people in the films were damaged by the policies of Margaret Thatcher. I enthusiastically agreed that Thatcher had a negative impact on the country and the lives of millions but pointed out there was still solidarity and a resolve to defend living standards in the UK which Thatcherism had not broken.