At the National Portrait Gallery (for excellent Laura Knight exhibition) I ask directions for the loo. ‘Through the shop, downstairs, turn left.’ Behind me a man parrots, ‘Oh, through there, downstairs, turn left.’ ‘Where do you want to go?’ the attendant asks him. ‘I don’t know.’ Pause. ‘Do you sell biscuits?’
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Glamour at the launderette
I’ve begun a series of photos taken in launderettes: fascinating environments which look as if they belong to a time that is ebbing away fast. This glamorous lady is a ballroom dancer and quite used to having her photograph taken. She has been on TV and she once met Len Goodman in Pontins.
Land of Ozzies
Seconds after I took this photo a man rushed out of the café. He said I’d have to give him £100 to take his photo. But I didn’t want to photograph him, only the bike. Besides, I said, I don’t make money out of doing this. I added that I’ve been photographing in Peckham for years because I love Peckham. ‘Oh, you love Peckham, that’s alright then,’ he said. Peace restored, I walked away from the upside-down tangerine bike and the land of Ozzies.
Downside of photography
Deckchair doze
The ladies are on the pier at Eastbourne. I imagine they’ve had a good lunch and a glass of sherry, followed at teatime by cream cakes. Now they’re taking a companionable nap. Cheeky to have snapped them, but who could resist?
Joan Byrne 