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Phyllis Nicklin Photos

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I do too, Pudding. Phyllis deserves a Hall of Fame recognition at least. The renowned photographers site Magnum captures people stylistically in the moment, but Phyllis recorded our buildings-and their people-just naturally.

The exhibition at BMAG- will this be permanent or a short-term presentation?
 
The photos at BMAG will be there for two weeks from 2 April. Everything I've read about it so far seems a bit vague. I'd have thought photos of this nature would be made more accessible and, of course, there's plenty of interest. Let's hope the Uni/ BMAG do Phyllis proud, but at the moment there's very little media info, especially given it's only a couple of weeks away. Viv.
 
A bit more info. It's thought there are over 1,100 images in total (over 400 slides already digitised via the Chrysalis Project and probably 700 unseen images). It seems to be a project covering the next 12 months. Viv.

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It would be better if they displayed them on something more permanent than twitter. Isn't it true that twitter material is deleted after a month or so?
 
That's my understanding too Mike, that the Pbase ones are part of the 440 originally digitised through the Chrysalis Project. Birmingham Post seem to have plans to publish some of the unseen ones, but I'm not clear how many and how often. Viv.
 
guilbert53 said:
To me what is amazing about her photos is that most historic photos we see (of any city) are of important buildings and important events such as parades, royal visits, etc.

But her photos are of "ordinary" things, simple street scenes, that at the time had little historical significance, but are now a wonderful view into a world that has gone.

One of her photos shows a horse pulling a milk cart with the milkman delivering milk. Something that was very common in those days but is now rarely if ever seen.

I have been taking many photos of the city for the last few years, many of ordinary things, hoping that in years to come someone will look at my photos and find them interesting.

Here, for example, is a walk I did round the Gun Quarter and Constitution Hill a few years ago, with many photos.

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1415172
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I agree entirely with your celebration of the uncommonness of the commonplace. When will we see a book of Phyllis Nicklin's marvellous work? - I'm sure it would sell briskly.

Guilbert - I'd like to see your photos of the Gun Quarter and Constitution Hill, but am having trouble accessing the site. Can you post them in a different way?
 
There will be a 16 page pull-out in the 2 April edition of the Birmingham Post. Hope this is also available on the B'Ham Post App. Viv.

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thanks viv..looking at that it seems the pull outs are in parts...if all the parts are 16 pages we could be seeing quite a few photos....will pop to the newsagents in the morning to order a copy...

lyn
 
i am having trouble finding somewhere that sells the birmingham post..tried 3 shops so far with no luck..will keep looking

lyn
 
The front cover of the NicklinUnseen supplement due out 2 April. The Gunmaker's Arms, Bath Street. Viv.

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A couple of Phyllis's transparency slides suitable for an Carousel Projector.

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And the type of Carousel which she most probably used to project the slides. Viv.

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Astoness said:
i am having trouble finding somewhere that sells the birmingham post..tried 3 shops so far with no luck..will keep looking

lyn
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It's a great pity the paper isn't widely available Lyn as a good cross-section of people (including myself who don't live in Birmingham) would probably buy the paper for the supplement. Many would buy them as a keepsake as it shows Birmingham at the point of major transition. Something to show the grand-children etc.

Bit of a letdown I'd say. Why aren't they going in the Birmingham Mail? Their archived pictures are a great resource. Viv.
 
We can get it at our local Tesco Local and our One Stop so puzzled if it is not more widely available?
 
Viv have you asked your local newsagent whether they can order it for you?
 
Vivienne14 said:
It's a great pity the paper isn't widely available Lyn as a good cross-section of people (including myself who don't live in Birmingham) would probably buy the paper for the supplement. Many would buy them as a keepsake as it shows Birmingham at the point of major transition. Something to show the grand-children etc.

Bit of a letdown I'd say. Why aren't they going in the Birmingham Mail? Their archived pictures are a great resource. Viv.
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hi viv i am also surprised that the photos are not going into the birmingham mail..apparently the birmingham post is more of a city centre and business paper....any road up after the 4th attempt i have found a paper shop close to me that does sell it..they only have 3 delivered..one is on order and the other 2 for general sale so i have reserved a copy..im happy now as i was entering panic mode lol

lyn
 
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Lyn and Vivienne - Sorry to hear that distribution is less than ideal. Living in London, I don't stand a chance - but will gladly reimburse any kind soul who would post me a copy of the supplement.
 
Viewfinder said:
Lyn and Vivienne - Sorry to hear that distribution is less than ideal. Living in London, I don't stand a chance - but will gladly reimburse any kind soul who would post me a copy of the supplement.
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Hi Viewfinder. If you use the Apple store, here's the App details. Viv.

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I've installed the app but I would think they will probably want to sell a few newspapers before they allow iPad users to see the images. The app has a 'free' subscribe option which I haven't touched yet.
 
Two of the unseen Phyllis Nicklin images :

First Harborne High Street, 1961

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Second Angelina Street, Balsall Heath, 2 March 1957. Wonder if the boy against the wall is admiring the other boys scooter or playing hide and seek?

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Viv.
 
Thanks for posting, Viv. I've remarked before on another thread that Phyllis's pictures serve both as fascinating historical records and as sophisticated artistic images. The latter quality is exemplified by 'Angelina Street': a strong composition of receding facades and jagged roofline, abruptly punctuated by the street-lamp on the corner. It is an atmospheric study of browns and greys in horizontal bands of sunlight and shadow; even the boy on the scooter is dressed in brown, typical of post-war austerity. Great stuff!
 
fantastic viv...best one ive seen of angelina street..i can take it to its max zoom in with no pixilation...thanks viv..oh at the crack of dawn i shall be hot footing it to get the birmingham posts supplement lol

lyn
 
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Viewfinder said:
Thanks for posting, Viv. I've remarked before on another thread that Phyllis's pictures serve both as fascinating historical records and as sophisticated artistic images. The latter quality is exemplified by 'Angelina Street': a strong composition of receding facades and jagged roofline, abruptly punctuated by the street-lamp on the corner. It is an atmospheric study of browns and greys in horizontal bands of sunlight and shadow; even the boy on the scooter is dressed in brown, typical of post-war austerity. Great stuff!
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When I was having a great time in the 1950s the Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was saying "most of our people have never had it so good" I think post war austerity had faded and lots of us who were around at that time had our rose tinted specs on in this thread 'Are the 50s the forgotten decade'
 
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