New Exhibition - ‘Home in the Shadows: Photography by Nick Hedges’
A new exhibition, with works by veteran documentary photographer Nick Hedges, will be on display from Friday 28th March. The archive images uncover some of the shocking realities of living conditions in Birmingham in the 60s and 70s.
Who is Nick Hedges?
Born on the outskirts of Birmingham, Nick Hedges studied at Birmingham College of Art from 1965 to 1968 – for his final project he worked with Birmingham Housing Trust on an exhibition about the city’s poorly housed. After graduating, Nick was employed as a photographer and researcher by housing and homelessness charity, Shelter. Nick’s ‘slum clearage’ photography for Shelter campaigns during the late 60s and early 70s highlighted the eye-opening reality of housing for some. The images produced for Shelter served towards a broader catalyst for change, increasing public awareness and debate around housing rights.
Partnership with the Library of Birmingham
In 2004, Nick donated his entire collection of Shelter negatives, contact sheets, and prints to Library of Birmingham. Through a partnership with the library, both original prints and reproductions are on show at the exhibition for a new and wider audience to see.
Exhibition at Birmingham Back to Backs
From March 28th, visitors will have the chance to view both Nicks’ Shelter campaign images, captured between 1968-1972, as well as the Birmingham Housing Trust images he took as a student. As well as watch a short video where Nick talks about his work and its impact.
It’s free to enter and you don’t need to book a tour of the Back to Backs to go into the exhibition space.
Viewing times are Tuesday and Wednesday 1pm – 4:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am – 4:30pm and Sundays 10:30am – 4:30pm. The entrance to the exhibition space is through the second-hand bookshop, located on Hurst Street.
FAQs
When does the exhibition open?
The exhibition is open from Friday 28th March.
When does the exhibition close?
The exhibition closes at the end of September.
Do I need to have been on a tour to see it?
No, you don’t need to have been on a tour to view the exhibition. It’s free to enter, and you can access the space via our second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street.
When can I view the exhibition?
Viewing times are Tuesday and Wednesday 1pm – 4:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am – 4:30pm and Sundays 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Are there any events/talks about the exhibition?
There will be a series of events throughout the year to support the exhibition. We'll update this page, and the events page, with more details as soon as we can.
Where can i find out more about Nick and his work?
You can find out more about Nick and his phoography on his website. Click here to visit his website.