Snappers Unite
Snappers unite to celebrate Liverpool's greatest photographer
Met Quarter exhibition
LIVERPOOL'S greatest photographer has provided the inspiration for a ground-breaking exhibition in the city centre.
The culmination of five months work, Liverpool People and Places - the photography of Edward Chambré Hardman includes iconic images of Hardman's Liverpool alongside pictures taken by current residents.
Hardman, who died in 1988, devoted much of his prolific output to captur-ing the changing landscape of the city and the lives of its citizens between 1920 and 1960.
His black and white images are displayed among pictures taken through modern media, digital cameras and with Photoshop effects - to record the city through the eyes of the 21st century.
The National Trust, which opened Hardman's house in Rodney Street to the public in 2004, has spearheaded the project working with five organisations.
Interchill, a drop-in youth centre in Garston, Liverpool Community College, Shorefields Technology College, New Heys Community School and Liverpool Youth Services have all submitted photos to the display in the Metquarter.
They are displayed, together with a television screen for anima-tion and documentary film work.
Laura Naylor, community project officer and exhibition organiser, said: "This exhibition is a real testament to the work of the young people who have taken part.
"They have gone out into their city - much as Hardman himself did - and captured what to them is the essence of Liverpool today, interpreting it in ways which we hope will encourage new, younger audiences to develop their own interest in Liverpool's rich heritage."
Members of Interchill used traditional photographic techniques using black and white film to capture landscapes, both cathedrals, and Hardman's view of Rodney Street taken from the anglican cathedral.
They were then given access to the dark rooms at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), where they de-veloped and printed selected shots.
John Webster, from LJMU'S school of art and design photographic department, said: "I have worked in photographic media at the university for 30 years - but it still gives me a buzz watching the amazement of student faces as their first print appears like magic in the developing tray in front of their eyes!
"It immediately sparks off their enthusiasm for working with this very 'hands on' medium, and gives them an instant source of achieve-ment. It's an experience none of them will forget".
Photographic students from Liver-pool Community College created their own "Homage to Hardman" by combining a modern take on studio portrait photography with a 1950's Hollywood glamour theme. This Sechoed Hardman's glamorous images of high society figures, actors and actresses taken during this period.
Traditional costumes for the college shoot were supplied by The Royal Exchange Theatre costume department in Manchester.
Freelance photographer, Tabitha Jussa, who taught and encouraged children through Liverpool's Youth Service, said: "I was delighted that the young people taking part embrac-ed the photographic ideas illustrated by the Hardman collection. I hope these workshops have helped to encourage a new generation of Liverpool photographers".
Pupils at Shorefields Technology School worked with New Heys Com-munity School to create documentary films to accompany the photographs.
Everyone involved had a tour of Hardman's former home and were given a selection of images and items held at Liverpool Record Office.
Liverpool People and Places will be at The Metquarter until April 27 before moving to the Tourist Information Centre in Queen's Square.
April 8, 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post