This follows a national week-long call out where the public was asked to share images that document their experience of seven days in “lockdown” from 29 April – 5 May, which resulted in nearly 3,000 submissions from across England.
The final Collection of 200 images consists of 100 public submissions, alongside more than 50 newly commissioned works by ten contemporary artists, including five from Southend on Sea-based award-winning artist, writer and broadcaster Scottee, and the remainder from Historic England’s photographers.
The call-out was the first time the public have been asked to capture photographs for the Archive since the Second World War. The unique responses have formed a visual record in Historic England’s Archive, the nation’s archive for records of England’s historic buildings, archaeology and social history, which will help us shape what we remember about this time.
An exceptional public response
The public call out received an overwhelming reception from across England, with 2,984 submissions received over the course of seven days. A total of 360 submissions were received from across the East of England.
The submissions give a fascinating insight into people’s experiences in this unprecedented time. Images sent in by people across the East of England featured deserted seaside towns (above) and instructions to keep away from well-known beauty spots, home schooling, home entertainment, including Morris dancing at dawn (below), living room camping (bottom of page) and a return to traditional play with pavement-chalked hopscotch.
[[{"fid":"286719","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Morris dancing at dawn","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Morris dancing at dawn"},"link_text":false,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Morris dancing at dawn","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Morris dancing at dawn"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Morris dancing at dawn","title":"Morris dancing at dawn","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]
The frustration and loneliness of lockdown living came across strongly with photographs of waving to loved ones from a distance and peering out of windows into an unrecognisable world. A photograph of the postmark to commemorate Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday captures his remarkable achievements.
Artists’ responses
Alongside the public call out, ten contemporary artists from across England were also asked to produce images documenting lockdown during the seven days.
The artists were each asked to select their favourite public submission from their region and Scottee chose ‘Normal for Norfolk’ by Martin Guppy saying “…I think this is a really interesting moment where towns like mine are convincing people to stay away for the first time.”
Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England said: “The fascinating response to our Picturing Lockdown call-out sheds light on our collective and individual experiences of lockdown and provides a snapshot into this unusual time that will be accessible for future generations to see and learn from. Our thanks go out to all who submitted their work, to our 10 contemporary artists, and to our photography team who have produced an inspiring range of images.”
Some lockdown images from the East of England:
(top) Terry Withers:
Sunny Southend Closed for Business
I live in a tourist town, so to see the roads empty and crowds gone on a Saturday afternoon is both scary and surreal. It epitomizes the phrase ghost-town.
(inset) Ken Hamilton:
Morris dancing in lockdown on May Morning 2020, Littleport
Every year, Morris sides dance at dawn on 1 May to mark the start of summer. This year we had to dance in lockdown - everyone danced at their own house or in a solitary place. This was two generations of dancers in our back garden.
(below) Anna Leggett:
Camping in the Living Room, Woodbridge
As we weren't able to go away camping due to lockdown we decided it would be just as much fun to put the tent up in the living room. We were taking part in the Northumberland Scouts #CampAtHome virtual camp.
[[{"fid":"286720","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"camping at home","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"camping at home"},"link_text":false,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"camping at home","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"camping at home"}},"attributes":{"alt":"camping at home","title":"camping at home","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]