City within a city

I have been photographing the Barbican Centre in London for over forty years. It was the first place that I was drawn to with my camera when I started photographing the city back in the early 1980s. The Brutalist architectural design of this collection of buildings is a thing of beauty to me. It’s like a city within a city.

There are 2,000 flats housing more than 4,000 residents who live in a community with schools, a church, a library, a lake and of course, an entire arts centre. The Barbican now has Grade ll
listed status and for the street photographer in you, is a must see attraction.

The structure has changed little over the years. Some of the outside spaces have seen some redevelopment but my reasons
for repeated visits are mostly because of the wonderful light and shade you can find painting the heavily textured surfaces, with a chiaroscuro like effect.

For me as a fine-art photographer, the early spring mornings are best. The jewelled light and velvety shadows can be mesmerising and watching people move through the many walkways and covered areas catching the light, is time well spent.

Go see for yourself!

The Barbican centre is located in Silk St, London EC2.

Nearest tubes - Barbican or Moorgate