Tower 42
Tower 42 was officially opened in 1981 as the National Westminster Tower. It’s been a permanant feature on the horizon from where I live. It is now joined by many other tall buildings. These photographs tell a story of quieter days when it was the king of the London Skyline.
Tower 42 viewed from Whitechapel, 1989
Tower 42 viewed from Whitechapel, 1985
Tower 42 viewed from Whitechapel, 1984
Tower 42 viewed from Whitechapel, 1982
Hazuan Hashim
Some images of my partner Hazuan with a fly poster from Brick Lane.
Hazuan Hashim, London
Hazuan Hashim, London
Hazuan Hashim, London
I took the silhouette photographs when I was in hospital. I was in intensive care at the time. Nurses told me that when Hazuan walked into the room all of my ‘vital signs’ calmed down and approached normality (according to the machines I was attached to). He was certainly a great help towards my recovery. I think the images illustrate the strength he gave me.
Pattern face on a poster. Brick Lane 2006
Trees
Trees are magnificent creatures we take for granted. I can barely imagine the time when most of England was covered in trees. Our perception of trees is usually singular as we have destroyed their natural habitats. Singly they still impress and exude a wisdom of their own. Here are just a few trees that have impressed me over the years.
Tree on a flood plain outside Dhaka. Bangladesh 1996
Trees with people in a village outside Dhaka. Bangladesh 1996
Trees in Central Park. New York 2005
Winter Trees. Spitalfields 1999
Winter Trees. Spitalfields 2010
Undergound, Over Ground Tales
I’m a people watcher. I love public spaces where I can watch humanity stop or drift through. My partner sometimes alerts me to the fact that I am staring at people. This happens when I feel as if I’ve almost become part of a couples conversation. Naturally I people watch through my camera lens as well. This is altogether a different characteristic since the encounter is just for a split second. Nevertheless I can sometimes imagine the conversations when I see the recorded image for the first time or I simply wonder “what were they talking about?” Humanity continues to fascinate.
Two men talking on the underground. London 1997
Two women talking outside Whitechapel Station. London 1997
Two men talking on the underground. London 1997
Ban the Bomb
During the 1980’s (when these photographs were taken) there was a vibrant public debate about nuclear disarmament. The march (below) was against unemployment but it attracted many who also wanted to change Government policies to bring about the elimination of British nuclear weapons as a major contribution to global abolition. The debate and campaign continues today.
March against unemployment. Liverpool, early 1980's
CND meeting at Labour Party Conference. Brighton 1990's
March against unemployment. Liverpool, early 1980's
