Phil Polglaze has been photographing Southwark for more than forty years; there are very few cultural or political events that he has not covered in that time, so he has amassed a huge archive of work, largely unseen. But Southwark Archives have collaborated with the photographer to find some of the historic and now iconic pieces from his archive that have celebrated Southwark’s Black Heritage in the 1980s, and of Black History Month events, since the very first one in 1990, writes Michael Holland.
These are important. Photos document history just as much as words do, because the camera rarely lies. The photos in this exhibition show people working, playing, talking, in meetings, on dance floors, on the stage; they evoke the spirit and atmosphere of the time they were taken. And they will last forever. Long after the people in them are gone, their stories will live on.
Phil once worked freelance for Southwark Council, documenting various happenings for the Leisure and Recreation Department, which led to him becoming the photographer for The Southwark Sparrow newspaper, and then Southwark Life.
When he wasn’t in his dark room he would be found at art exhibitions, festivals, parades, launches and openings. No Mayor, M.P. or prominent Councillor has escaped his lens. Parks, community centres, halls and offices have had the pleasure of his presence at some point.
Southwark went on to be the first London borough to deliver a month-long programme of Black History Month events, and now Southwark Archives are presenting photographs of some of those events for all to see.
Selected by the artist himself, he chose all black & white images, shot on old film that has to be developed. It is his favourite medium, although he has succumbed to colour and the convenience of digital in recent years.
These photos show the people who brought Black Heritage to the community and started something that will go on forever. Phil Polglaze has been part of that community through his camera lens.
Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1, ground floor atrium from 1st-14th October then at Southwark Heritage Centre from 21st – 31st October.
