Public photography project by Historic England will provide learning resource for future generations
Historic England has revealed the 100 images taken by the public that have made it into its archive as part of the Picturing Lockdown Collection, now freely accessible online.
The selection process followed a national week-long call-out in which people were asked to share images that documented their experience of seven days in lock-down from 29 April to 5 May. The move resulted in almost 3,000 submissions.
The final collection of 200 images consists of public submissions alongside more than 50 newly commissioned works by ten contemporary artists. The remainder are from Historic England photographers.
It’s the first time the public has been asked to capture photographs for the archive since the Second World War.
The unique responses have formed a visual point of reference in the Historic England Archive – the nation’s library of records for England’s historic buildings, archaeology and social history. They will help shape what we remember about this time.
Images sent in featured a variety of ‘stay at home’ messages through street art, on public buildings and in handmade signs in windows.
The concept of emptiness featured strongly, especially through imagery of deserted high streets, shops, piers and playgrounds. The frustrations and loneliness of social distancing also came across.
Meanwhile, moments of connection were captured – from children playing at a safe distance to neighbours chatting in a pharmacy queue.
Rebecca Barrett, of Historic England, said: “The fascinating response to our call-out sheds light on our collective and individual experiences of lock-down and provides a snapshot into this unusual time that will be accessible for future generations to see and learn from.”
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