World Record Shortlist: Everybody Needs Good Neighbours
A friendly photo of neighbours sent in by a local teenager, Lydia is in the running to become the face of the world’s largest photo mosaic.
Lydia, 19, from Moseley has the chromosomal disorder; Down’s syndrome. Her mother, Annie, submitted the photo on Lydia’s behalf to the Big Picture. The photo is of Lydia’s neighbours, Willy and Ethel Turner.
Lydia is very snappy happy and has her own digital camera which allows her to take hundreds of pictures of anything of interest to her, particularly her surroundings.
Lydia’s Mum, Annie said:
“Lydia’s favourite topics of photography include; her bedroom, the garden, family members, and the neighbours of course! Anything that is familiar or important to her. Lydia sometimes arranges things such as CD’s or photos in a specific way to photograph them. Every week we go through them and put the best photos on the computer and then clear the memory card ready for her to take the next lot. Lydia took the shortlisted photo one weekend when we were all in our gardens. I thought it was really nice and asked if she’d like to put it on the Big Picture – she was pleased to see her photo shown on the website.
“Ethel and Willy Turner are excellent neighbours and have always been very friendly and supportive.”
Artist Helen Marshall says:
“There’s something much more to this image than it being a mere snapshot, and the composition is perfect. It’s also so unusual to have a photo taken of neighbours across the fence, especially in front of their laundry!”
Big Picture Project Manager, Kerry Endsor, says:
“The aim of The Big Picture was to encourage as many different people from all ages and interests to get involved, to help create a detailed piece of social history that offers an insight into the lives and loves of local residents, creating a true picture of the region that will be there to enjoy for generations to come. Lydia’s picture is great – it illustrates the friendly nature of West Midlands people perfectly.”
What do you say? What does the photo make you think or feel, is it your favourite? Leave your comments here:
July 23rd, 2008 at 15:16 pm
Well done Lydia!
What a lovely informal photo of your neighbours and of course it’s nice to have good neighbours. Keep taking your photos!
August 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
I’m slightly biased as I would like to see my Mom’s Old School photo win but this picture speaks to me. It epitomises the Midlands people, friendly and generous. My early memories of visiting family in the Black Country are of helping peg out the washing. I love the old fashioned style pegs used. This picture is framed perfectly with the roses at the front and the trees at the top. I absolutely love this picture. Good luck.