London: Reclaiming Space
As the beloved 4 day Easter weekend drew closer, Londoners were faced with the prospect of missing out on the scarcest of UK commodities: sunshine. The news has been rife with debate, dishing out both shame and praise on how people are choosing to spend their time outdoors. With some parks facing closure after pictures of crowded markets and picnickers were posted online, people have had to get savvy when getting their daily fix of sunshine. Space is the other scarcity in this sprawling city, and people are finding new ways to claim it.
“Two policemen asked me to go home. They couldn’t have been nicer about it to be honest. So this is where I sit now when it's sunny. I don’t think I’m breaking any laws here.”
Keith from Tower Hamlets is happy to pose for a photo in nothing but his pink shorts. He was kicked out of the park, so has settled for his front drive. Walking through residential areas, it's clear people are having to get creative. Doorways, front gardens, driveways are all a good place to set down, soak up some rays and sometimes get some work done.
In central London where space is more scarce, people have a new-found love for the space right on their doorsteps. A textile worker takes some initiative to get some sewing done in the sun. A couple of doors down a student enjoys a book, sitting in her front doorway.
“We don’t normally work out here, I’ve almost fallen off a couple of times but it’s totally worth it.”
Two students take advantage of their bay window; the lockdown has renewed their appreciation for their front garden. As you move away from central London in to the more residential areas, you can see flatmates and families come together to enjoy the sun in the safety of their own properties.
‘The fresh air and exercise is brilliant for my vocals, fitness and all round mental state - especially during this lockdown.’
Two men spar with boxing pads in a car park at De Beauviour estate. The man on the right is former Commonwealth Super Bantamweight Champion Mark Reefer, training his student Jon Collins, a Blues musician. This is a common sight across the city, with people finding an isolated spot in a park, or any nook and cranny on the streets to get some sit ups in
Rethinking our public spaces is one of the many ‘new normals’ that we have to navigate during this Covid19 era. The sun-starved brits almost have a sense of entitlement to get a tan, but they are being watched and judged by each other and the world.
Photography by George Torode & Hartley Woolf
Edited by Glenn Zimmatore