A ‘year in the life of Stretford’ is being displayed in polaroid picture form, in a new exhibition curated by the photographer behind the famous ‘rainstorm’ picture. Simon Buckley of Not Quite Light has chosen the best shots as taken by residents of Stretford to sum up life in the south Manchester neighbourhood.
Called From Stretford With Love, the initiative started last summer with Buckley working with a group of residents from the local community, teaching them the rudiments of good picture composition. They then took on a ‘photographic relay’, taking pictures of the neighbourhood before passing the camera onto the next person.
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The results are now on show at the Stretford Public Hall. Buckley said: “I’m genuinely delighted by the final collection of polaroid images, and the stories they tell when all placed together. The project encapsulates a moment in time creating a unique view of everyday life through both images and sounds.
“Stretford has an extraordinary community spirit, and this is very evident when you see the work, and the enthusiasm with which it was created.” Stretford’s town centre is soon to undergo significant redevelopment, with the old Stretford Mall being adapted to reinstate the former King Street high street.
It will boast new shops, bars and restaurants, a new market hall for food traders and retailers, and new outdoor public spaces. Works are set to begin in the coming months and are due to be completed by summer 2024.
Andrea George from Bruntwood, which is undertaking the development, said: “From Stretford With Love is dedicated to the local community and is a celebration of all things Stretford. Every single person who has taken part has contributed to the beauty of this portrayal of everyday life, and the images have come together to create a stunning collection.
“A big thanks must go to the participants and to Simon Buckley who has worked tirelessly to bring the whole project together. It's a tribute that will stand the test of time and Bruntwood is immensely proud to be a part of it.”
The exhibition opens from today (February 17) at Stretford Public Hall. It will be given a permanent home when the development has been completed.
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