A “fascinating” new photography exhibition will showcase working-class people in Salford and the houses they lived in between 1890 to 1970.

Opening on January 25 and running for three months in the Working Class Movement Library opposite Salford University, this free exhibition combines portrait photographs of the city’s working-class people and the types of houses they lived in.

The exhibition, ‘In the Face of Dwelling’, features photographs from people who lived all their lives in Salford and the exhibition also features hand drawings, made by a recent graduate of the University of Salford, Laura Janicka.

Image credit: Salford University

Event organiser, Dr Tanja Poppelreuter, said: “Seeing architectural drawings, historic photographs of houses, and portraits of people who lived in these houses side by side really does awaken our empathy with the living conditions of past generations.

“When set side-by-side these images evoke memories and make us wonder about the daily lives and struggles of families in Salford.”

There will be a special opening event on Thursday January 25 from 4-6pm at the Working Class Movement Library, which is also free to attend.

Event organiser, Alex Mitchell, said: “Some portraits are haunting, shocking even, making us think about the living conditions families endured, others are sweet and amusing, reminding us that no matter how communities change over time, some things – like cutting a wedding cake, or posing with the new bike on the front lawn – never change.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the history of Salford and its people to come along and explore the exhibition.”

The exhibition is part of the research project: The Modern Backdrop.

To visit or find out more about the exhibition click here.

 

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