Heidi Alexander’s photographs of Stockport Market taken in 1977.

Recently, our 2020 Covid-19 lockdown prompted a clear out, and the discovery of old negatives such as the Stockport Market collection. Apparently, in 1977, I was doing what is now popularly known as ‘street photography’. The images bring back happy memories recording a lively atmosphere of warm community alongside hardship and hard work. I only visited Stockport Market twice in the 1970s, and only shot five rolls of Tri-X on a Leica M4 – I wish I’d taken more! I remember the bustle and the noise, especially the street pastors and their singing followers competing with the shouting traders for customers’ attention.”