British seaside resorts and amusement arcades conjure up all kinds of images, from mums and grans playing prize bingo, to young lads trying to achieve the high score on classic arcade games.
Cain's Amusements
It was the early 1980s when the photographer George Wilson had the perfect job to document daily life at Cain’s: an amusement arcade on the seafront of Herne Bay, Kent. George, a graduate of Newport’s documentary photography course under David Hurn, worked as a bingo caller for two seasons, using this opportunity to capture daily life in the arcade when day trippers and locals would flock to the Kent resort. It’s an incredible look at a British arcade during the early 1980s, one that will resonate with many who grew up or raised families during this era.
Photo © George Wilson.
Newport
George “I joined the Documentary Photography course in Newport as a mature student, having previously worked for over twenty years in various fields. Photography had always been an interest of mine, and when the opportunity arose, I applied to the course. I was fortunate enough to be accepted.”
Photo © George Wilson.
Cain's Amusements
“After Newport, I lived in Kent with my wife Gill, and it was then that I took a temporary bingo caller’s job in Cain’s. I built up a large collection of photographs during my time there, featuring lots of characters from the small community. I wasn’t interested in the games or machines; it was always about the people.”
Photo © George Wilson.
The George Wilson Collection
“I have exhibited my work locally several times, including ‘Postcards from the Coast.’ This exhibition showcased color digital postcard prints that challenged traditional concepts of the seaside. A few years ago, an unexpected interest arose in my collection of arcade photographs as a result of a chance encounter between two friends. Eventually, my archive of more than 400 images, known as ‘The George Wilson Collection,’ was accepted into the SEAS (South East Archive of Digital Photography).”
Gallery
Photo © George Wilson.
Photo © George Wilson.
Photo © George Wilson.
Photo © George Wilson.
Photo © George Wilson.
Photo © George Wilson.
Photo © George Wilson.
All images © George Wilson, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.
Share
Tweet
Email
- Article first published
- February 14, 2022
READ NEXT
SUPPORT BCA
British Culture Archive is an independent archive and cultural resource that was set up through a genuine passion for photography. Since 2017, we have supported British photography by publishing and exhibiting works from photographers and by unearthing and giving a global platform to previously unseen photography.
Our online galleries and exhibitions will always be free for everyone. Public support and funding is vital for us to continue documenting and preserving important photography. If you appreciate the work we do, please consider making a donation through the link provided below.