Baker's photography documented the poverty and resilience of communities under siege while conveying her compassionate affection, empathy and indignation for the plight of her subjects.

Pioneering British photographer Shirley Baker (1932-2014) is thought to be the only woman practicing street photography in Britain during the post-war era. Baker’s humanist documentary work received little attention throughout her sixty-five years career. This exhibition includes previously unseen colour photographs by Baker alongside black and white images and ephemera such as magazine spreads, contact sheets and various sketches. It specifically focuses on her depictions of the urban clearance programmes of inner city Manchester and Salford. This intense period of study, spanning from 1961 – 1981, documents what Baker saw as the needless destruction of working class communities.

Her photographs testify to the poverty and resilience of communities under siege. In examining these street scenes, the exhibition aims to highlight Baker’s appreciation of alternate values and life experiences found in this community while conveying her compassionate affection, empathy and indignation for the plight of her subjects.

Events

Tour in British Sign Language Sunday 11 June 3pm-4pm

Free, no need to book

Love on the Dole Thursday 16 June 6.30pm-8.30pm

Screening of the classic film, set in Salford, starring Deborah Kerr.

Free admission, book tickets here

Curator’s tour with Anna Douglas Wednesday 21 June 1pm-1.45pm

Free, no need to book

This is Us Thursday 22 June 5.30pm-8.30pm

Join our Age Friendly Collective for an evening of art, conversations, music and games inspired by Shirley Baker’s photographs of Manchester from 1960-80. Includes a tour with curator Anna Douglas.

Free, no need to book

That was then, this is now Thursday 29 June 7pm-8pm

Join former residents of Shirley Baker’s Salford and Manchester in conversation with curator Anna Douglas and social historian Penny Tinkler from the University of Manchester.

Free, no need to book

Curator’s tour with Anna Douglas Sunday 2 July 3pm-4pm

Free, no need to book

Tour in British Sign Language Sunday 9 July 3pm-4pm

Free, no need to book

Record your Memories Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 10am-5pm

Inspired by Shirley Baker’s photographs? Discuss and record your own memories in our recording booth. These recordings may contribute to the exhibition’s audio guide.

Drop in throughout the day

Making Conversation workshop for adults Thursday 17 August 1pm-4pm

Free, no need to book

Reviews

There is an uplifting sense of liberation as the street, at the hands of grubby-faced and raucous children, is co-opted for the serious business of play.

Ella Milburn, The State Of The Arts

The exhibition is a collaboration with The Photographer’s Gallery, London.

Image

Shirley Baker Hulme July 1965 (detail)

© Shirley Baker Estate

Exhibition paint kindly supplied by Farrow&Ball