Rob Bremner’s photographs provide an extensive account of Liverpool and Merseyside from the mid-1980s into the 1990s. Made across Everton, Vauxhall, Kirkdale, Dingle, New Brighton and Liverpool city centre, the collection brings together portraits and street scenes documenting children, families, friends, workers and older residents.

Economic decline, unemployment and changes to housing shaped the region during this period and remain visible throughout the photographs. Demolished buildings, terraced streets, docklands and public spaces provide their setting, but Bremner’s attention remains with individual character, clothing, expression and the relationships between those gathered in front of his camera.

The work developed through repeated visits and direct encounters. Bremner photographed with minimal direction, selecting the background and available light while allowing his subjects to determine their own expressions, gestures and positions within the frame.

Rob Bremner’s photography has formed part of the British Culture Archive collection since 2018. His work has appeared in BCA’s touring exhibitions The People’s City and A Celebration of Life in the North, 1980s–90s.

Images from this collection are available for editorial, publishing, broadcast, exhibition and selected commercial licensing through British Culture Archive.

Read more about Rob Bremner’s Liverpool and Merseyside archive.