Extreme close-ups of old-school Londoners
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
Inside the grunge golden age with Hole’s former bassist
My ’90s Rock Photographs — Melissa Auf der Maur’s new photobook is a sprawling visual memoir of her time at the heart of the US scene, from Tinker to The Smashing Pumpkins.
Introducing ‘The Chaos Isles’, a new photozine by Huck and Yushy
Normal Island — From unlicensed raves to the solstice at Stonehenge, furries to giant vegetable growers, Yushy is one of the UK’s best lensmen of its wild side. ‘The Chaos Isles’ will be sent out exclusively to Club Huck+ members.
Join Club Huck+ to get the most from Huck
Dispatches from the sharp edge of culture — Members get our print magazine, special photozines, The Huck Long Read newsletter, discounts from our friends and partners, digital versions of back issues and priority access to events.
Signs of solidarity as London marks three years of genocide in Palestine
Never forget — 250,000 people gathered on Saturday as Israeli attacks have continued in Gaza and the West Bank. Daisy Schofield photographed the diverse people and placards in attendance.
Landmark new exhibition is celebrating 50 years of female punk
God Save the Queens — The Museum of Youth Culture is bringing together rare photography, archive material and a one-night-only supergroup featuring members of X-Ray Spex, The Slits and The Raincoats.
Halcyon, end of summer days in ’80s Massachusetts
Bell Pond — Stephen DiRado’s new photobook is a nostalgic look at blissed out moments of young love, family and coming of age at a swimming pond in Worcester, Massachusetts.
