Extreme close-ups of old-school Londoners
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Paul Trevor
According to photographer Paul Trevor, the idea for In Your Face – his seminal series of spontaneous close-ups on the streets of London – was the result of two things.
First and foremost, he was looking to tackle Britain’s polarised social climate, an environment fostered by the iron grip of Thatcherism. Secondly, however, he was responding to a personal, technical challenge: his long-term neglect of the 50-mm lens.
“Why not try to tackle the issue using only that lens?” he says, remembering his decision to embark on the project almost 40 years ago. “Grabbing photos in the street from a distance of 12 inches demanded a new picture-making approach.”
“It meant working at lightning speed – a camera loaded with fast film, set at a high shutter speed, and pre-focused at 12 inches. Good daylight was necessary. Years of experience as a street photographer was a big advantage!”
The resulting photos, taken between 1977 and 1992, contrast City of London workers (bankers, executives, high-rollers) with those in the neighbouring street market of Brick Lane. And now, they’re being exhibited for the first time in almost 25 years at the Martin Parr Foundation.
Tightly-cropped and extremely close-up, the images of In Your Face hone in on the juxtaposing locations without revealing too much. Shot during a time of scrutinised debate (the promotion of market values at the expense of community ones), they take on a whole new significance when it comes to addressing today’s inequality.
“Since the photos were principally shot during the Thatcher years they inevitably speaks of that time. But it’s up to others to say how well the work as a whole represents the period. I’m pleased the work is being re-visited and re-assessed after all these years.”
“I wasn’t selective. I’d photograph anybody and everybody who came my way.”
In Your Face is showing from 26 September – 22 December, 2018 at the Martin Parr Foundation.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Gold-tinged togetherness as Londoners flock to Primrose Hill for the solar eclipse
Celestial gathering — Ella Glossop photographs the once in decades event from one the city’s most popular gathering spots, and the community spirit that encapsulated the moment.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Surveying community and resistance in LGBTQ+ nightlife
Sex, Clubs Dissent — A new book collates queer nightlife photography over the past 50 years, and the people who found refuge and safe spaces after dark.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: Electric nights in ’70s Japan
Tokyo–Koza — Keizō Kitajima’s new photobook explores the explosion of party culture of Tokyo and Okinawa during an era of rapid change in the country, as well as its stranger turns.
Written by: Miss Rosen
“Magazines are cultural artefacts”: magCulture’s Jeremy Leslie on the enduring importance of print
We love magazines — Despite the ever creeping digitalisation of the world and culture, physical objects are taking on different, yet vital, roles in culture today. Ella Glossop chats to one of London’s biggest proponents of the art about why we need to support independent publications.
Written by: Ella Glossop
The anti-tourism guides revealing Lisbon’s true, radical heart
We Hate Tourism Tours — The Portuguese capital sees millions of people visit a year, against a backdrop of political turbulence and a housing crisis fuelled by short term holiday lets. Jack Burke meets the crew subverting their city’s perception, while bringing lesser seen stories and monuments to light.
Written by: Jack Burke
Defiance and pride in Chicano Camera Culture
A Photographic History — A new major exhibition surveys Mexican American photography over six decades, platforming Chicano artists at a Chicano museum for the first time.
Written by: Miss Rosen
