“Where did I get the idea for the exhibition?” says Tom Leighton, “it came about because I like my neighbours.”
The Camberwell photographer (and supper club hosting foodie) has lived on SE5’s D’Eynsford Estate since 2008, and says he “wanted to inspire some neighbourliness, get people talking to each other.” He also knows a good location when he sees it: “I’ve got a 50-metre corridor outside my flat that looks like an art gallery – it was perfect.”
Neighbourliness at D’Eynsford was already pretty strong, Leighton says. As part of a bid to take over the running of the estate he included a questionnaire as part of the photoshoot, asking everyone what they loved and what they’d like to improve there. “Nearly everyone said what they liked is that it’s peaceful, quiet – and that the neighbours are friendly. And it’s true, it’s such a lovely place to live. Right now I’m looking over the community garden which is blooming with beautiful flowers.”
And the friendliness – what did he learn from the photoshoot, which took place over a weekend earlier this month? “The shoot was brilliant,” says Leighton. “One of the most memorable pictures was of the lady who came with her three kids all in their Sunday best after church [top image].
“They were so excited about being photographed, and yet the minute they were in front of the camera they went crazy and – well, you can see in the photo… And then there was Ras Kwende, the moonwalking Rastafarian. Another highlight was meeting Tunde [above] who turned up in his Nigerian finest – possibly the loveliest man I’ve ever met.” Tunde also took part in the camera workshops Leighton hosted – and the residents’ work will be on display too.
“What I loved is that once people started seeing the photos, and how nicely everyone was dressed, they all started coming in their finest clothes.” Not least Leighton’s friend and neighbour, Kate, left, the last subject to be photographed. “It was eleven o’clock at night and I found my aunt’s old 1950s sunglasses and Kate put them on. She looks amazing. If she doesn’t get a date out of it something’s very, very wrong…”
Matchmaking aside, you can see how good they all look for yourselves from tomorrow – the show runs throughout Camberwell Arts Festival.
