Art / Photography
Celebrating the city’s communities
Acclaimed local photographer Mark Simmons has created an insightful new set of portraits that celebrate life in the city.
Throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, Mark took a series of portraits that painted a vivid picture of everyday life in Bristol. These pictures were collected together and published in the photobook Bristol Black & White.
They revealed tight-knit communities coming together in uncertain political times. The images also showcased the everyday positivity and togetherness found in some of the city’s most deprived areas, including St Paul’s and Barton Hill.
is needed now More than ever
In his latest work, Bristol 2019: A New Kind of Community, Mark documents the friendships and opportunities being built by the city’s growing community business movement.
“My life’s work has been to document and celebrate community achievements and endeavors,” says Mark. “It’s been a heartwarming privilege to meet and reconnect with the people working in these community enterprises and witness the contribution they’re making to their local neighbourhoods, especially in this time of austerity and palpable uncertainty.”
The collection revisits some of the streets and suburbs that feature in the work he undertook more than 30 years ago and the photos will be exhibited at the Trinity Centre from Wednesday, November 27 to Thursday, December. The exhibition will be free to view.
Mary Laurie, Arnos Vale volunteer
Arnos Vale volunteer Terry Dailes gets on with daily duties
Bristol-based performer Carl Morgan entertains commuters onboard Bristol Ferry Boats
Tony Green of Bristol Bike Project helps the city’s most vulnerable access free bicyles
Captain Mandy Sharman, skipper Ben Freebry and community outreach coordinator Kim Fielding on a Bristol Ferry Boat
CEO Steve Sayers and facilities manager Cameron Cheek at Windmill Hill City Farm
Community business staff and leaders at Southmead Trust
Making friends at Barton Hill Settlement Family Centre
Volunteers and staff at Arnos Vale
Onboard one of the Bristol Ferry Boats
Residents can enjoy community lunches at Barton Hill Community Settlement
Residents of Southmead enjoy active classes
The We Can Make team review plans for the first micro-home
Volunteers at the Fix A Bike workshop
Volunteers at Windmill Hill City Farm
The free pop-up exhibition, Bristol 2019: A New Kind of Community, will take place at the Trinity Centre from November 27-December 5 2019.
Read more: In photos: Bristol Grand Iftar 2019
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