If you’re in Cambridge this summer, head to Stapleford Granary as this beautiful cultural centre will be hosting an exhibition of Shirley’s works called Children at Play. It starts with an opening preview, taking place on Wednesday 10th June with a bar and food available. The show will continue from 11th June to 25th August.
The images, taken in Manchester and Salford primarily in the 1960s, show children playing in the streets, making do with whatever they could find during those times of post-war poverty. Toys were scarce and children had to be inventive, but their sense of curiosity, adventure and creativity was always present. There was a strong community feeling in those decaying streets before residents were moved to gleaming new high-rise flats that promised a better future.
Shirley once wrote that she preferred the ‘casual, intuitive snapshot rather than the formal, carefully posed photograph‘. She was interested in people and their lives, and would get to know the communities she photographed, where she would anticipate, prepare her camera, and lie in wait for the serendipitous moment. She was trusted by people, who would relax in her company and be happy to be photographed.
Children at Play at Stapleford Granary contains a large selection of these images, which express the joy and creativity of children, and the sense of community that brought people together.
Stapleford Granary. Children at Play: Exhibition 11th June to 25th August at
Opening preview: Wednesday 10 June, 5pm – 10pm
Includes film screening at 6:00pm: Shirley Baker: Life Through a Lens written by John West and directed by Jason Figgis
Bar open & small bites menu available. All welcome, free admission, no booking required
EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Saturday 9:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm
