LONDON 1978

Jurgen Schadeberg 1931-2020

I started researching in the Hackney Archives for a new project to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Windrush, when I came across the work of Jurgen Schadeberg who documented everyday life in Hackney in the ‘70s. He was a much-celebrated photographer who worked around the world throughout his life, especially in South Africa. You will recognise his iconic photo of Nelson Mandela in Prison amongst many others. 

I was inspired to create paintings based on some of Jurgen Schadeberg’s photos after contacting his widow Claudia, who gave her permission. I have shared my work with Claudia and a percentage of the sales will go to his family. 

Colville Estate

Colville Estate

Council accomodation that  longer exists, replaced by an award winning RIBA design.
Acrylic and collage on canvas panel 60 x 40 cm.
Boy On Bike

Boy On Bike

This picture tells you a lot about 1978 working class estates.
and the prized trophy Ford Capri.
Acrylic on canvas 60 x 40 cm.
Nurse

Nurse

The nurse blithely walks past open desolation.
Acrylic and collage on Canvas panel 60 x 40 cm.
Hackney Corner

Hackney Corner

The juxtaposition of dream selling adverts and real life .
Acrylic and collage on Canvas panel 60 x 40 cm.
Ridley road

Ridley rd market Hackney 1978

Photo by Jurgen Schadeberg.
Almost timeless. 
Today it is as vibrant as it was then. 
Berwick Street

Berwick St W1 1978

Photo by Jurgen Schadeberg.
Fruit and veg jostled for position with the sleaze of the sex industry.
Now very much sanitised.
Boogie Box

Boogie Box Hackney 1978

Photo by Jurgen Schadeberg.
Almost seems innocent compared to today.
Woolworths

Woolworths Hackney 1978

Photo Jurgen Schadeberg.
A national institution in its day, sadly lost .
Hackney Branch was always busy.