News / Historic England
Bristol life in lockdown captured in collection of stunning photographs
Photographs taken across Bristol have entered the Historic England Archive following a nationwide response to a public call-out.
The photos include swings sitting unused in Victoria Park, the empty Clyde pub in Redland, and a mother and daughter talking to each other on the telephone through a window.
Historic England’s Picturing Lockdown Collection is now freely accessible online, with 100 images chosen out of nearly 3,000 submissions taken between April 29 and May 5.
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Ten contemporary artists, including Malaika Kedgode from Bristol, also have their work included in the new collection.
“Usually at this time on a Saturday night the local pubs would be calling last orders at the bar,” says Malaika Kedgode. “Instead, it is eerily silent and still. The Clyde on Hampton Road is always full of revellers, it’s a Redland institution and whilst they are temporarily closed, they’re still reaching out to their community.” Photo: Malaika Kedgode
The call-out was the first time the public have been asked to capture photographs for the archive since the Second World War.
Rebecca Barrett, regional director at Historic England South West, said: “The fascinating response to our Picturing Lockdown call-out sheds light on our collective and individual experiences of lockdown and provide a snapshot into this unusual time that will be accessible for future generations to see and learn from.”
“Prior to lockdown my wife made daily visits to see her 96-year old mother at her residential care home,” says David Taylor. “Since lockdown, however, regular communications are now via telephone with only a weekly approved visit that entails a phone conversation through a window, as this photograph documents.” Photo: David Taylor
“I have been setting a 5.45am alarm to go on early morning walks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week to ensure I keep social-distancing documenting them with my camera phone,” says Lisa Malyon. “This was taken on a Wednesday urban walk and this succeeds in being humorous despite the negative connotation.” Photo: Lisa Malyon
Main photo by Bill Ward
Read more: Pinpointing the specific colours of Bristol
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