One of the greatest pleasures at British Culture Archive is stumbling upon a body of work that has been sitting unseen in a photographer’s archive for many years. This was the case with Heidi Alexander, whose incredible images from Stockport in the 1970s eventually saw the light of day after she searched through her archives during the first COVID lockdown in the UK.
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Upon seeing the images, we got in touch with Heidi to find out more about this incredible body of work and her path into photography.
Nomadic Childhood
Heidi “I was born and raised in Switzerland by my American single mother. I started taking pictures of my nomadic childhood with cheap plastic cameras given to me by my absent father who was a motor racing photographer. In 1969, my mother brought me and my four siblings to Scotland. I think that’s partly why I was drawn to taking photos in the streets here, in Scotland, and England. It was all so unfamiliar.”
Darkroom
“After attending Stirling University during the 1970s, I eventually settled in Edinburgh. Marriage and family took priority over the offer of a place at David Hurn’s Documentary Photography course in Newport, Wales, in 1977. However, during my first pregnancy, I built a darkroom and brought my film camera along to mother and toddler groups. The works of Weegee, Diane Arbus, Eve Arnold, Vivian Maier, and David Hurn, to name a few, have always been an inspiration to me.”
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Stockport In The 1970s
Since retiring from my career in Child Protection Social Work, I continue to enjoy documenting everyday life with digital equipment. I mostly take photos of people and situations on local streets in the UK, as well as during my travels abroad.
“Recently, our Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 prompted a clear-out, and the discovery of old negatives such as the Stockport Market collection. It appears that in 1977, I was practicing what is now popularly known as ‘street photography’. The images bring back happy memories, recording a lively atmosphere of a warm community alongside hardship and hard work.
“I only visited Stockport Market twice in the 1970s and shot only 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.”
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
“One or two people noticed a young female with a camera, but most were too busy finding that bargain or exchanging the latest gossip. Despite the bleakness, the atmosphere was unmistakably warm, energetic, and jolly. It was forty-seven years ago, but I wonder where some of those characters are now.”
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
“Looking at the images, I am chuffed with the lack of cropping required in my results, which tells me I really enjoyed myself. The negatives have endured several house moves and occasionally dodgy storage in Scotland.
Thanks to social media and Instagram, I was delighted to come across the British Culture Archive. Tish Murtha is a new discovery. Thank you! I hope people continue to have these clear-outs and share their own historic photographic treasures of their lives and communities.”
Thanks to social media and Instagram, I was delighted to come across the British Culture Archive. Tish Murtha is a new discovery. Thank you! I hope people continue to have these clear-outs and share their own historic photographic treasures of their lives and communities.”
Gallery
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
Photo © Heidi Alexander.
All images © Heidi Alexander, all rights reserved.
You can see more of Heidi’s work on her website and Instagram page
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- Article first published
- July 9, 2020
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