Lockdown began on 23rd March 2020 in The UK. I live close to the seafront of Blackpool and began to document the place in Lockdown. Drawn to the empty spaces usually filled with people, hotdog stalls, the sound of arcades.
When lockdown began, I noticed extreme emotions coming through on social media and across friendship groups. I felt like it was a short term happening - that it would not be for a long time, that folks would be safe. But after conversations I realised the variety of emotions people began to go through. Kindness seemed to be the key thing, to cut some slack to ourselves and each other.
On updating this series onto my website around mid June - it has made me consider many things.
Everyone’s experience is different - here are a few. That kindness is key. People began to reach out to one another. Creativity soared across social media channels. Environments became cleaner. There was time and space. People began to hear hidden sounds of nature. That mental health issues were impacted by isolation. That mental health issues improved due to slowing down. That people became more connected. That people became disconnected. That illegal raves began to happen. An incident in America skewed lockdown when George Floyd died following police brutality. People campaigned in isolation and in social distanced space. That places like Blackpool became havens, using the beach as temperature’s soared.
April 22nd 2020- Blackpool at Night.
Bike Ride One Hour Exercise 25th April 2020
One Hour Exercise walk 29th April 2020
Blackpool with no people
11th and 13th May 2020 - as Lockdown continued ….
I began to think more and more about shared experiences in Blackpool and the pubs, nightlife and leisure aspects of a place like Blackpool
19th and 30th May Bike Ride - Central to North and Walk Central to South
Social Distancing had been relaxed. People began to emerge.
14th June - Bike Ride.
Day before Shops open in Blackpool. Central to South Promenade
