The Conservation Centre in Whitechapel opened again recently after being closed for a bout a year for refurbishment. It now has a new name ‘The National Conservation Centre’ reflecting its status as a centre of national importance for the conservation and restoration of artworks.
One very pleasing change is the improved large area for temporary exhibitions of art, previous exhibitions were spread awkwardly around corridors, mezzanines and small rooms.
The first exhibition to be displayed in the new room is ‘Street Life: Liverpool in Fashion’ in which North West photographers Mark McNulty and Victoria Spofforth have documented the unique ‘look’ of Liverpool fashion. Subjects young and old are included in the exhibition, revealing a candid portrait of the city’s confidence and style.
As I am sure I have mentioned several times, I’m not a huge fan of documentary photography nor am I a follower of fashion but I think this is an interesting collection, there’s a good mix of people pictured in many recognisable areas of Liverpool.
Mark McNulty, a Liverpool born and based photographer, works both commercially and editorially in the city, as well as continuing to work on his own personal projects.
Mark’s commercial work in the city involves shooting fashion, portraiture and advertising images on behalf of clients such as Duck & Cover Clothing, The Met Quarter, Tula, The Mersey Partnership, University Of Liverpool, and Schuh . His music photography has been published in magazines such Plastic Rhino, Observer, Mixmag, Italian Vogue, Sunday Times, The Face, I-D, Raygun, NME, Muzik, DJ Magazine and many more. Subjects have included the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Bjork, Travis, Paul McGann, Willy Russell, Portishead, Cyril Smith and Ricky Tomlinson.
Victoria Spofforth is a freelance photographer based in Manchester. She is a valued and active member of Redeye, the North West photography network. She produces her own projects, whilst working on commissions incorporating both her photographic and design skills.
‘My approach to Street Life: Liverpool in Fashion has been greatly inspired by my past way of working. I am fascinated by the unchanged Britain, documenting the people and places, which still retain their original character and charm, unaffected by the monotony of the modern world. My intention for this project was to capture an honest, unstaged insight into fashion as it is in Liverpool today. I approached people as they went about their daily routines, in the spaces where they live, work and socialise.
At The National Conservation Centre until August 20th 2006