Memories of childhood came flooding back as I strolled round this excellent exhibition at the Science Museum Media Space. The above photograph was taken in Leeds, where I grew up in a similar street. It must have been taken on a Monday because the washing is hanging out to dry. Such were the rituals of people in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Exhibited for the first time after the 40 year restriction to protect the identity of the subjects, the passing of time serves to distance us from the underlying subject of poverty. Have we really made significant advances in our housing? Are neighbourhoods any more safe, secure, or cohesive?
The power of these images is to raise such questions in the mind of the viewer.
