Self Portraits: Looking back to 1981 by Roger Suckling

About

Over two days in June 1981, Roger Sucking set up his camera on a tripod outside the Nottingham Community Arts Centre (NCAC) on Gregory Boulevard and gave local people a chance to take self-portrait photographs. NCAC was originally on the site where New Art Exchange is located now. The photos were taken in front of the old building by members of the community as part of Hyson Green Festival.

The self-portraits were taken on a 35mm camera, with black and white film, using a remote shutter release – which can be seen in most of the photos. The films were processed overnight and the next morning prints were available for everyone who took part. A selection of photographs from this project were shown in an exhibition at NCAC shortly afterwards.

The selection of images shown in NAE's Forecourt Gallery looks back 40 years ago; to an era of community arts. In celebration of the community, we hope to spark conversations on how Hyson Green has changed over time, what and who has shaped Hyson Green, and what is the future of the Neighbourhood hereafter.