Historic England and Photoworks invite people to look at the high street as never before, charting and celebrating their history by posting their own photographs on Instagram using #PicturingHighStreets.
image: HE DP325293
… part of a three-year commission creating a contemporary picture of England’s high streets…
Historic England writes:
Over the next 12 months, people are encouraged to respond to a fortnightly challenge that uncovers the secret life of the high street, posting their own photographs on Instagram using #PicturingHighStreets. From celebrating local high street heroes that make our places so special; capturing favourite hang outs and meeting places; to recording the hidden heritage of our high streets: the most evocative photographs will be featured on the Picturing High Streets Instagram channel.
“High streets are at the heart of communities. We know their future feels uncertain and high streets are facing a pivotal moment in their long history. It’s time to get out there, rediscover our high streets, and tell the stories behind the shopfronts.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive
Historic England
“Photoworks is super excited to see your images of the high street! Next time you’re popping to the high street why not take a snap and share. We are looking forward to seeing the breadth of photography from around the country.”
Shoair Mavlian, Director
Photoworks
A selection of photographs submitted before 21 December 2022 will form a national outdoor exhibition opening in Spring 2023 filling Clear Channel advertising space, outdoor exhibition panels and shop windows on high streets across England. These photographs – alongside a selection of others submitted from January 2023 onwards – will also enter the Historic England Archive, the nation’s archive for England’s historic buildings, archaeology and social history.
Designer and retail expert Wayne Hemingway will join the renowned artist Camille Walala, best known for her large-scale murals that transform public spaces, as judges to help choose the winning images to go into the national touring exhibition. Ben Hope, Marketing Director at Clear Channel and Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England will also take part in the judging.
“The most exciting high streets are the ones that allow creativity and experimentation to thrive. I’m looking forward to seeing how these images capture the high street’s reinvention.”
Wayne Hemingway, Designer
50 photographs will feature in an England-wide outdoor exhibition in Spring 2023, including across Clear Channel advertising spaces, seen by millions.
Designer and retail expert Wayne Hemingway MBE, artist Camille Walala and Ben Hope from Clear Channel to choose winning images.
A year-long project, fortnightly photographic challenges will feature on dedicated Instagram channel @PicturingHighStreets until October 2023, the public submissions forming an unofficial record of the English high street and a selection entering the Historic England Archive
Project part of a three-year commission creating a contemporary picture of England’s high streets as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme, the largest ever community-led arts and heritage programme
