A York photographer aims to shine a spotlight on the lives of people from Tang Hall.
The project, which has been commissioned by Explore York, will create a collection of portraits and stories celebrating the local community.
Photographer Amy D’Agorne, who lives in Tang Hall, wants to capture what makes the area unique – and she wants the community to get involved.
There will be a relaxed drop-in session at Tang Hall Explore Library on Thursday 20 March from 9.15am to 11.30am, where everyone is welcome to come along, have a chat, and find out how to take part.
One of the key parts of the project is portrait photography and Amy will also be offering ‘assisted portraits,’ where participants can press the shutter themselves for a more personal touch.
Each person will get a free digital copy of their portrait, with the option to receive a printed version.
The project will also celebrate Tang Hall Explore’s library volunteers who play such an important role in keeping the library – and the community – going strong. Amy is inviting any interested volunteers to take part in the project by having their portraits taken.
She’ll be using a large bellows analogue film camera, known for its beautiful, timeless quality. Since it is a traditional film process, there will be a short wait while the film is developed, but each participant will receive a high-quality print of their portrait.
The final images will be put together in a short book to be kept at Tang Hall Explore Library, preserving today’s history for future generations – which will be launched at a special event at the library, where everyone who took part will be invited to see the finished work.
“I’m so excited to be working on this project,” said Amy.
“I’ve spent years photographing communities across the world – from New Zealand to Japan and Ghana – so it’s really special to now turn my lens on the place I call home.”
Amy is also on the lookout for old photos, documents, or stories connected to Tang Hall. If you have something to share, such as a memory, an old family picture, or a story about the area, come along to the drop-in session on Thursday 20 March.
The project is part of Explore York’s Micro-Commissions programme, a new initiative supporting York-based artists from a range of creative disciplines that explores themes of local history, identity, and place.
If you’d like to be involved – whether as a resident, a library volunteer, or someone with a great Tang Hall story – come along to the drop-in session on 20 March or contact [email protected] or Tang Hall Explore Library for more information.
Explore York is the independent organisation which runs Libraries and Archives in the city.