here we live KEYHAM
cover
photograph by Samantha, back cover by Dylan, above by children from Keyham Barton Catholic Primary Schoolwe live here
KEYHAM PHOTO PROJECT
Rediscovering Keyham:
A Reflection on the Keyham Zine Project
This Keyham Zine was part of an ongoing collaborative project, managed by Fotonow, that delves into the essence of Plymouth neighbourhoods. ‘We Live Here’ aims to encouraging local residents to explore familiar places through a fresh lens. Through the eyes of the participants, all here are residents of Keyham, the photographs capture the essence of favourite places, significant locations, well-trodden paths and cherished views. The resulting collection of images serve as an authentic reflection on the community, evoking memories and instilling a sense of tranquillity. Ultimately, this project highlights the significance of the idea of a neighbourhoods - through exploring and photographing our places, and learning together, we can foster a sense of familiarity - leading to a profound feeling of home and belonging. We Live Here!
The photographs are a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty that lies within our own backyard. In supporting the participants, who are connected with the Keyham area, to capture the essence of their surroundings, we see a Zine as a socially engaged representation of the community. Each photograph serves as a visual narrative, telling stories of personal connections and shared experiences.
As we flip through the pages, we are transported to the places that hold significance for local residents. The images awaken memories and evoke emotions, reminding us of the moments we have shared in these very locations. Whether it’s a hidden corner of a park, a bustling street corner, or a serene view from a favourite vantage point, each photograph encapsulates the essence of Keyham.
Through this project, we come to understand the importance of our neighbourhoods. By actively engaging with our surroundings and capturing them through the lens of a camera, we cultivate a deeper connection to the places we call home. The act of photographing new places allows us to become intimately familiar with them, transforming them from mere locations into cherished spaces that hold a special place in our hearts.
photograph by Kevin
photographs by Samantha
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
above photograph by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School left photograph by Samantha
above photograph by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School right photographs by Dylan
photograph by Dylan
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
photographs by Jo
photographs by Jo
photographs by Jo
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
“Wash Day in Keyham”
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
“Keyham Station. The gateway to a journey into the wider world.”
“Flower Box. Everything can be beautiful, in its own way.”
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
“Cobbles.
How many people have walked the cobbles of Keyham? What stories those people could tell.”photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
“What makes Keyham amazing? Keyham holds 60% of my life history, so many memories.
Hopes.
To
become a friendly, green neighbourhood where everyone feels welcome and safe.”photograph right by Liane
“The back lane. Memories of being 16. I had a moped for my birthday and my Dad put the ramp out the back to help me get it into the back yard (in 1981)”
“North
Down Park. Memories of School Sports Days. The joy of running on grass after the hard playgrounds of Primary School.”
photographs by Liane
“The hills of Keyham! A hard walk but also tough on your car!”photographs by Liane
“I moved to Keyham during the Covid lockdown and have slowly begun to make friends in the area.”
“People here are generally hard working kind people who are concerned about their neighbours and about the welfare of others. People consistently donate to the local foodbank even if they are not doing very well themselves. Keyham is a fabulous area of Plymouth.”
photographs and text by Jennifer
photographs by Liane
“From Alexandra Park you can see for miles. Land, sea and sky.”
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic School
photographs by pupils from Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School
During this project, we had the opportunity to see Keyham through the eyes of the participants, and it was a beautiful journey that brought a sense of peace and harmony within the place and its people. The photographs captured in the Keyham Zine serve as a visual love letter to the places that shape our lives, reminding us of the beauty and significance even in the most ordinary corners.
As we immerse ourselves in the photographs, we are transported back to the memories, emotions, and sense of peace that our community brings us. It is a powerful reminder that by exploring and photographing our neighbourhoods, we cultivate a sense of belonging and create a place we can truly call home. The Keyham Zine Project is a testament to the power of art in capturing the essence of a place and fostering a deeper connection to our surroundings.
Kinga Krzyminska (Resident photographer) and Emma Booth (Community Photographer at Fotonow CIC)www.fotonow.org
with thanks to; Kinga & Emma (photography workshops), Paul and Keyham Green Places, Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School, MyPhoto - Zine made possible with Keyham Sparks funding (Plymouth City Council)
