General Information
During the year 2000 D J Clark built a visual record of the Lancaster &
Morecambe district using photographs and information submitted by those that
feature in the pictures. The project was conducted in association with Lancaster
Museum and has been archived for future generations to look back at the district
at the turn of the new Millennium. For more information on the project visit
the information page. If you find a caption is
wrong or there is a fault with the page please e-mail D
J Clark.
Date:
September 1st, October 26th, December 27th, 2000
Location: Blades Street
Photographer's Diary
1st September - Friday - Mr Munshi
As time pushes on I am becoming increasingly aware of the lack of Asians in
my photographs. Like the conservative Jews this was mainly due to being turned
down by the Asian community. I had had enough and contacted the Iman of one
of Lancaster's two Mosques and asked for some help. I was given the number of
a Mr Munshi, I called and arranged to meet him.
We sat in a comfortable house and talked. He was clearly proud to be a born
and bred Lancastrian and I found myself asking questions that maybe I shouldn't.
I was given permission to photograph the Mosque but no people were allowed.
These were strict Muslims and people's pictures were not on the cards.
A Knock came on the door and a hand appeared with a tray of drinks. I never
saw the face of Mr Munshi's wife. His brother arrived and we talked more. When
Mal Hussein was mentioned, they became angry. They were furious at the fact
Mal had created so many problems in Lancaster. "Lancaster is not a Racist
Society, I have lived here all my life and never encountered a problem with
racism, Mal is just stirring problems up for his own sake".
I talked a little further and then made my excuses. There seemed little point
in photographing an empty Mosque, so I thought of reasons why another day would
be better. I still do not have an Asian representation for the project.
Thursday 26th October - Blades Street
With virtually nothing to go on I set off from home in the hope of catching
something of Lancaster's Asian Population. I had wandered Blades street on a
few occasions without taking pictures and knew this was important to the project,
but as yet had failed to get any images. The previous Saturday, I had approached
the one shop that sits in the middle of the street - the Maji Stores. I was
told to ask for Ali which I did, and old man answered to the name and I proceeded
to explain the project. After at least a two minute monologue he looked up at
me and started to explain in very limited English where Mr Munshi lived. I think
I had mentioned him. I realised he had not understood a word I had said. A slightly
younger man who was serving a customer beckoned me over. The white woman he
was serving made a quick comment to me as she exited the shop "you've got
the right place here, best shop in Lancaster". The younger man was happy
about the pictures, just no people in it he asked.
I started by calling Mr Munshi and he invited me round. I arrived at his house
and we went to the Mosque. I was free to photograph the building but he was
clear - no people in the pictures. He asked me what the secret to a good picture
was - I replied philosophically "the same as everything in life, keep it
simple". After the tour we sat in a back room, cross legged on the floor,
discussing the world, the lack of moral and religious belief in our society,
the tensions in the middle east, and good food. An hour soon past and we decided
to leave, I think we both could have continued talking all day.
The weather was getting better, so I embarked on a walking tour. First down
Blades street and into the shop, I shot some frames including the shop keeper's,
but they were unaware, and then from the outside. Walking down the street, the
clumps of people on the doorsteps disappeared quickly if my lens swung in their
direction. At a small play area at the end of the street I found two girls and
some other children playing on the swings. "Photograph me they shouted"
and I did, all the time mindful that their parents might not be as keen as I
was to get some people pictures at last. I continued to walk. Down Dallas road
I found more Asian children watching some workmen at the school. Then back on
myself and down by the station making my way to the Marsh Estate. I walked on
and photographed the streets, children playing people waiting for buses and
that was about it. Returning via the key, I went on to Dalton Square and then
to my car that was waiting to be picked up at Dave Gillespie's garage.
He told me he had been served an eviction notice by the council and was devastated.
A week earlier I had been told Nazareth House Children's Home was also to be
closed. I was wondering if my camera carried a curse.
I drove back via Hope street and found no one out. Then to the laundrette which
was empty and then home. I returned at 5 PM to try and find activity on Blades
Street but all was quiet.
27th December Eid
I had planned a few days off, with the possibility of an air shot of the city.
I woke up early, the day was clear with snow on the hills and I thought it was
too good to miss this one last excursion I grabbed my cameras and promised myself
the day off after a couple of hours. This I did, visiting all the familiar locations
one more time before returning home. Entering the corner shop on Franklin Street
for some milk and a paper I was confronted by the new shop keeper unusually
traditionally dressed. "Is it Eid today ?" I asked. The reply I was
dreading came "yes".
Exhausted I went home for a coffee and then out to Blades street. All was quiet
as I drove the street, with just a few people out. I returned half an hour later,
this time walking the street, but did not take a picture. Everyone is at the
Mosque I was told, come back at 2 PM. At 2 PM I found some children playing
and grabbed a simple shot. I had called Mr Munshi and embarrassingly asked for
a picture. "Come to the restaurant at 5 PM" he suggested.
I was told everyone was in Morecambe bowling, so I set off straight away. I
found a clear beautiful day, but no Asians in sight. I checked the bowling alley
and saw just one small group, who I left alone. I went to the restaurant at
5 PM and found Naim waiting for me. He was the chef I had photographed before,
who posed as before the picture. It was a bad day at the office, I just hope
one picture, of a girl who had slipped on the ice and sat in a doorway crying
has come out. Once again the Asian community did not come out for the photographs,
but I keep thinking I have the wrong contacts.