In the early 1990s photographer Robert Clayton decided to take his trusty camera to record a council estate in Oldbury, in the West Midlands – the Lion Farm Estate – before it was partially demolished.
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| (c) Robert Clayton |
The BBC notes that 'this council estate was built in the 1960s on land reclaimed from old mine workings.' It was built between 1960-64 by Wimpey in their traditional red brick style, and was dominated by ten high rise blocks. Knowing that number of the blocks were due for demolition Robert Clayton spent several months taking photos around the estate, a mixture of atmospheric architectural and geographical shots as well as lively street photography and more intimate portraits of residents in their flats.
Now, over two decades later, this brilliant bit of social history is being published in a beautifully produced book,
Estate. Not only does it include his photos, it also has a rather wonderful essay by Jonathan Meades. But the story doesn't stop there. There's also an exhibition of Robert's Lion Farm Estate photos. From 1st-26th June 2015 the Library of Birmingham are displaying 23 of Robert's photos in a
free exhibition. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves the street photography of Martin Parr or has a fascination with postwar council estate life and architecture.
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| (c) Robert Clayton |
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