CASTLES

There’s a beauty that exists in the Ends that’s rarely communicated. Between the caged sports courts, chicken shops, concrete balconies, bookies, laundrettes, off-licenses and narrow alleyways, exists a people that are beautiful. This beauty is a result of the fusion of all the different identities and cultures that make up the Mandem.

Our beauty has been brought into question for decades - as the political classes and media outlets have continuously and unfairly portrayed the Mandem as monsters. Many of these negative narratives come from entities and people who have not, and do not, exist or manoeuvre in Ends. Their narratives are often accepted as objective fact, despite rarely being based on verified information.

It’s time we redefine our narratives. We need to create a new story, one shaped by our own experiences, not by the biases of others. A narrative grounded in truth, not prejudice.

Using photography, this photoseries establishes the following truth:
The Ends are modern-day castles. And these castles are inhabited by Kings and Queens. And the Ends, along with its inhabitants, are nothing short of beautiful.

These photos are shot on a 35mm Canon AE-1 Program - and is intended to showcase the majesty of inner-city social housing estates across the city.

Volume One: 2021 to 2024

Castles: Volume One presents 515 photographs taken over a three year period, across 116 estates across London.

It offers a critical lens on what is deemed architecturally beautiful - questioning what we choose to preserve, and why.

These photographs are free to view here:

View here

Physical Copy: Please allow for 7 to 10 days for dispatch.