Hidden Harlow: A Portrait of Transition

Hidden Harlow is a photographic project to create a contemporary documentary of residents, workers and the architectural landscape of Harlow. The work aims to capture the town as it undergoes a period of significant urban and social change, preserving a visual record of its current identity for future consideration.

Project objective:

To create a comprehensive photographic portrait of Harlow's architectural and social fabric. The project will explore the relationship between the town's planned post war architecture and the daily lives of its inhabitants. It will seek to document the unique character of the town's neighbourhoods, green spaces, and public art, as well as the new developments shaping its future.

To explore and articulate the concept of 'home' within a transitioning landscape. The project will consider how residents connect with a town designed with a specific social vision, and how that sense of place is affected by ongoing regeneration and redevelopment. Through a combination of environmental portraits and architectural studies, the work will investigate themes of permanence, memory, and community belonging.

To establish a visual record of a town in flux. The project aims to capture the juxtaposition of the original New Town vision with its contemporary evolution. This includes documenting both the well preserved modernist structures and the new buildings, capturing the aesthetic and social tensions that arise from this ongoing transformation. The final body of work will serve as a historical marker, offering a perspective on a town caught between its past and its future.

Method:

Employ both medium format (film) and digital photography to capture a range of subjects, from portraits of residents to architecture and landscapes.
Conduct research on the history of Harlow as a New Town to inform the photographic approach and contextualise the project's themes.
Curate a final series of images that presents a cohesive narrative of Harlow's identity during this specific period of transition.

Project FAQ

Why are you doing this?

This project is a personal exploration of the new towns concept and how Harlow has evolved since its designation in 1947. I am local to Harlow and feel the town and its residents have been overlooked; the real Harlow is "hidden" from view, obscured by negative press and social stereotyping. I aim to document the communities and celebrate the hardworking people who have built their lives in Harlow, living in unique urban landscapes.

What is fooled? How is it linked to Hidden Harlow?

fooled serves as my online portfolio, a platform to share my photography and projects. "fooled" reflects the view that we, as a society, are often misled by the media and politicians. It's a stark reminder that we are increasingly presented with a deliberate and carefully curated narrative, sadly one of misinformation and division.

Can I get involved?

Yes. I would love to hear from as many Harlow residents as possible, if you want to get involved you can register your interest here. I will then contact you to arrange a short call to discuss how you can contribute and what to expect.

What's in it for me?

Good question! As a resident of Harlow you will be an essential part of creating a lasting visual legacy, helping to tell the authentic and often overlooked story of Harlow, its community and buildings.

How will you use the photographs you take of me?

Once edited I will share the images on the project website and may choose to publish physical prints. You will have granted me permission to publish your photograph before any photographs are taken, unpublished photographs will be archived.

Can I have copies of the photographs you have taken?

Yes I can share digital copies of the photographs I have taken of you for your personal use. However you must ask my permission to share them on social media or other platforms.

Who owns the photographs and will they be used commercially?

I retain copyright of all images. Any residents who has their photograph taken will need to sign a release form.

There is no intentional to use any images commercially or for financial gain, now or in the future. The collection or images which form the basis of the project is for public consumption without charge.

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Hidden Harlow: A Portrait of Transition

Project FAQ

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