Bradford photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn is inviting residents across the district to bring in a cherished belonging and tell its story, as the first phase of a new project pairing photography with recorded memories.
Still Lives, Living Stories: The Heart of Bradford is a partnership between the award-winning photographer and the council’s Bradford District Museums and Galleries service, built around capturing the experiences and identities behind everyday objects that matter to local people.
The idea draws on the archive of Belle Vue Studio, a historic portrait-photography collection held by the museums service. Mendelsohn is putting a contemporary spin on that style, pairing fresh portraiture with recorded interviews to uncover the powerful stories, family histories and cross-generational connections tucked inside ordinary possessions, much as the original photographs once did.
Anyone wanting to take part can come along to one of two drop-in launch sessions and bring an item that means something to them — it doesn’t need to be old, expensive, or obviously special, just personally significant.
Both sessions run from 1pm to 3pm in the Heritage Craft Room at Bradford Industrial Museum, on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August. Drop-in visitors will get the chance to meet Mendelsohn and the wider project team over refreshments and find out more about how it all works.
Anyone who brings an object will be photographed holding it, styled in the manner of the original Belle Vue portraits, followed by a separate still-life shot of the item itself and a recorded conversation capturing the story behind it. The launch events will also give visitors a chance to browse historic images from the collection and see the direct inspiration behind this new venture.
Carolyn Mendelsohn said: “I believe everyone has a story worth sharing. Objects often hold memories that connect us to people, places and significant moments in our lives. I want to listen to those stories and work collaboratively with people to create a new photographic archive, including portraits, still lives and audio recordings, to celebrates the people of the Bradford district and the stories they have to tell.”
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “The Belle Vue Studio archive captures a remarkable moment in Bradford’s history, and this project offers an exciting opportunity to continue that story. By sharing an object and the memories connected to it, residents can help create a new archive. We look forward to welcoming people to the launch events and seeing the stories that emerge from this wonderful project.”
