Soho Stories · Gallery 2
OVER THE THRESHOLD
Soho Projects: FrenchMottershead
The Photographers’ Gallery presents
Photographic project made with residents of Soho
Rebecca French and Andrew Mottershead are an artist duo based in London whose work looks at social conventions and how they relate to public and private spaces. This series of 11 photographs and an accompanying book are the result of a special commission by The Photographers’ Gallery.
During their research in Soho over the past few months, the artists met a range of local residents and talked to them about their lives. As these discussions progressed, recurrent themes and similar experiences started to emerge. Some people talked of hearing the hooves of the Household Cavalry clatter by in the early-mornings; or coping with the pressures of living in a small space; keeping an urban garden growing; or fighting for residents’ rights.
In response, the artists brought people together who identified strongly with particular themes and made group photographs. The photo shoots were collaborative events, allowing individual residents to meet, discuss ideas and see each others’ homes, often for the first time. By sharing their stories and re-enacting their lives in these tableaux, residents have offered us a unique insight into the private, domestic, world of Soho, allowing us to appreciate and see it afresh.
With great thanks to all the residents of Soho who participated in the project and to others who helped make it happen.
When needed we look out for each other