Many photographers have used their art to expose the plight of workers in hazardous and unacceptable conditions resulting in many reforms during the last Century. However, whilst working conditions in many countries have, thankfully, improved and are now strictly regulated, it often seems that we face the opposite plight, that of over sanitisation and globalisation. Although workplaces are now as safe as they can be they have often become over sanitised to the point of loss of character. Within the series Workers I have focussed on those areas of industry which are local, independent and full of character and life; a vanishing human culture. Using monochrome film to give a sense of honesty and impact I have portrayed everything exactly how I found it.
Work life in a tyre garage, Bristol, UK. I’ve visited this garage on a number of occasions it’s basic, friendly, cheap and full of life and character. The workers there are natural, raw and the customers diverse. The images focus on the “working day”, on the harshness of working in such a forceful, dynamic and grimy atmosphere. Where the pace of work means that relationships with customers are nonexistent but solidarity amongst workers is paramount.
all photographs © copyright lisa j white, 2010
moral rights asserted
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