1973-1974: People of North Street, Wolverhampton
“In 1973 I was a student at what was then the Polytechnic in Wolverhampton (now the University) studying graphic design.
“Although I would eventually end up as a creative director and designer, I had become fascinated by reportage photography and wanted to try my hand at this too.
“The art college was flexible enough to incorporate photography as part of the graphic design course, and I spent many hours in the photography department there, run under the directorship of David Knight and Peter Findlay who were great mentors.
“North Street was due to be redeveloped and you can see some of the houses and shops were already on their last legs, with some already boarded up.
“I went out a couple of days and just asked people if I could take their pictures and would have a chat as well. I cannot recall if they were being offered alternative accommodation or anything like that.
“The area had a nice community feel to it, everyone seemed to know everybody else.
“It would be really amazing to know if any of the people could be traced. I really like the picture of the lad in the leather jacket with his younger sister. Where are they now?”
- George Foster
Images: George Foster
