Strange and Familiar Exhibition at the Barbican

The Strange and Familiar at the Barbican showcases the work of photographers who have captured the British way of life over the past century. The exhibition, curated by photographer Martin Parr, features a diverse range of images that will leave visitors stunned and intrigued.

With over 250 photographs from 23 photographers, the exhibition is a comprehensive survey of the British identity. From black and white images of the working-class heroism of the 1950s to the neon coloured snaps of multicultural London today, these images provide a fascinating insight into the lives of those who inhabit these isles.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is undoubtedly the work of Shirley Baker. Baker, who passed away in 2014, was a pioneer of street photography and an expert at capturing the everyday life of the working-class communities. Baker’s images of Manchester in the 1960s and 70s show us an industrial city in transition, capturing the spirit of a city that was in the midst of change as it struggled to reinvent itself. Often humorous, her images show families in their Sunday best or girls huddled together in doorways.

Another photographer whose work featured in the exhibition is the Magnum photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson. Cartier-Bresson’s photographs, many of them black and white, are almost painterly in their composition. They capture the essence of Britain’s elegance as well as its working-class humour. Cartier-Bresson’s images of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II are particularly striking. His photograph of the Queen’s procession on her way to the service at Westminster Abbey is a masterclass in composition, framing the procession with the arch of an iron gate while a dog and cat rest in the foreground.

Also represented is the Welsh photographer, Chris Killip. Killip’s images of the northeast of England, taken in the late 1970s and early 1980s, show us a Britain in decline. They are often bleak, but never without hope. They capture the spirit of a community that was proud and defiant in the face of economic hardship. His photographs of the people who worked in the shipyards capture the dignity and hard work of this way of life.

The exhibition is not just a homage to well-known photographers; it also features the work of lesser-known names, such as Ken Russell and John Myers. Russell’s photographs of the English seaside towns of the 1950s show us a world of amusement arcades and deckchairs, where working-class families made the most of their time off. Myers’ portraits of the people of the West Midlands, taken in the 1970s, show us a community that was proud of its heritage and its working-class roots.

What is most remarkable about the Strange and Familiar exhibition is its diversity – its ability to show us a wide range of people, places, and times, all united by a shared British identity. The photographs show us that however different we are, we all share a sense of place and community. They reveal a Britain that is both and familiar, a country in transition yet proud of its heritage.

In conclusion, the Strange and Familiar exhibition at the Barbican is a must-see for anybody interested in photography or British culture. Its diversity offers visitors a chance to explore the British identity, to see how this country has evolved over the years and how the photographs on display capture the essence of a people. This is an exhibition that will make you think and question, and leave you with a sense of awe for the power of photography.