A Week in Nelson

In summer 2020, in between lockdowns, we commissioned photographer Craig Easton to create a series of portraits reflecting daily town centre life in Nelson. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this became a series of portraits of shop owners and local workplaces. This marked the beginning of new work in the town, where, as with many post-industrial towns in East Lancashire, Craig has a history of documenting lives beyond labels, challenging how images are often used to represent whole communities. Craig Easton’s practice is rooted in the documentary tradition, exploring issues of social policy, identity and place through portraiture, landscape and reportage. His long-term projects examine the impacts of immigration, de-industrialisation and employment, including Thatcher’s Children, SIXTEEN and Bank Top.

During an intense week in October, Craig walked Nelson’s streets, speaking with shop owners, business owners and local practitioners. Working with a 1952 large-format wooden plate camera, he made portraits and recorded conversations about their experiences of working and living in the town. Framed prints were presented to each participant as a thank you.