Using the title of my project ‘The Space Between’ as a natural link to the situation the UK finds itself in currently, I started looking at how to apply this to my practice. I had planned to re-visit a number of places that I had previously photographed. Mindful of my own personal safety and those around me I chose to make a couple of quick trips into the centre of Bath, observing social distance protocol.
The first of this trips was Friday 20th March as I had to go to work to pick up files for home working. The city, usually very busy this time of year with tourists, was extremely quiet and devoid of the usual tourists jostling for prime selfie spots. Whilst many conducted their business at a distance their were clearly those who had a disregard for others and a ‘carry on regardless’ attitude.
Panic had hit the supermarkets and the shelves had been cleared of toilet rolls, milk and wine.
Later on that afternoon the government announced the forced closure of many public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, leisure centres and cafes. I then decided I would investigate the city the following night.
I took to the streets of Bath around 7pm, normally the busiest period for a Saturday night. As expected I found pubs closed, restaurants either closed or only serving take away food. There were a few people around, shopping, picking up take away food or simply out for a stroll. The streets were quiet and had a sense of waiting or anticipation, almost a pause.
The Space Between 