Life under lockdown
Social distancing radically changed the way we lived during the last two years. During that period, Hackney council created a new project that provided a space for residents to express their life experiences under lockdown.
Residents were invited to contribute recordings, photographs, writing or artwork that captured their feelings or thoughts or their time during the lockdown.
Below is a selection of residents’ contributions.
Life under lockdown documents
My feelings and fears during Covid-19 - reflective account by Beryl Sharpe
Poems submitted from young participants at the Ministry of Stories
Life under lockdown videos
Life under lockdown gallery
People from all over Hackney, from artists, writers, key workers, parents, carers, young people and kids, rose to the challenge of documenting life with the new life under lockdown project, which encourages everyone to share what they’ve been creating during the lockdown.
Hackney residents created a vivid and moving body of work that formed part of our borough’s archive of these extraordinary times.
Alex Amorós: "People in a queue of Hackney 215 waiting for their coffee in one of the early days of Lockdown. The respect of the majority of Citizens with the safety measures to stop the pandemic, it was another aspect that I wanted to show."
Alex Amorós: "One morning in church street with the street completely deserted, it was shocking to see how a frequently crowded street it can turn into a deserted street."
Alex Amorós "Stokey on Lockdown´ is a photo project carried out on the streets of Stoke Newington, shot on my daily walks during the lockdown. The collection tells a story of what has happened during the global pandemic; with local businesses shutting shop and our key workers continuing to work hard for others. I wanted to show how the community has become less individualised and become more collective." This lady was on a bench, I asked her if it was okay to take a photo and she answered...of course, I think it shows the cultural and ethnic diversity of Hackney.
Alex Amorós "Stokey on Lockdown´ is a photo project carried out on the streets of Stoke Newington, shot on my daily walks during the lockdown. The collection tells a story of what has happened during the global pandemic; with local businesses shutting shop and our key workers continuing to work hard for others. I wanted to show how the community has become less individualised and become more collective." I Stopped this gentleman in Upper Clapton, I saw him far away and decided to run, it was the right situation to take a portrait of him. The light and day were perfect to capture the essence of the project.
Alex Amorós "Stokey on Lockdown´ is a photo project carried out on the streets of Stoke Newington, shot on my daily walks during the lockdown. The collection tells a story of what has happened during the global pandemic; with local businesses shutting shop and our key workers continuing to work hard for others. I wanted to show how the community has become less individualised and become more collective." This lady was in Hackney Central, her look and style fit with the idea of showing that diversity of Hackney, she is part of the Hackney Music Scene.
Alex Amorós: Hackney 215 owner Ali Kalkan using his kitchen to provide free meals to NHS, Ali and his Business Partner Celman did a wonderful job supporting our NHS during the pandemic, another goal of the project was to capture the solidarity through our Key Workers.
Alex Amorós: "The aim of the project was also to show the temporary closure of local businesses, without a doubt this book store located on Church Street close to Rignold Mansions reflects the old spirit of Stoke Newington"
Alex Amorós: "I took this photo at Stoke Newington Station during one morning, we can see an elderly couple picking up the newspaper. I found it endearing and supportive. In my opinion, it is an image that reflects the respect and solidarity between them in these times."
Lorenzo: "During lockdown I made a COVID-19 every single day with fruit, veggies and other things I had in the house to keep it sustainable and environmental friendly." "The food had to either be locally produced or purchased at a small local shop to support the community." "I reached 100 mutations of COVID-19 with the 100 days of lockdown, all shared on Instagram @covid19replicas." "My motto: make it, eat it, don’t spread it!"
Lorenzo: "During lockdown I made a COVID-19 every single day with fruit, veggies and other things I had in the house to keep it sustainable and environmental friendly." "The food had to either be locally produced or purchased at a small local shop to support the community." "I reached 100 mutations of COVID-19 with the 100 days of lockdown, all shared on Instagram @covid19replicas." "My motto: make it, eat it, don’t spread it!"
Lorenzo: "During lockdown I made a COVID-19 every single day with fruit, veggies and other things I had in the house to keep it sustainable and environmental friendly." "The food had to either be locally produced or purchased at a small local shop to support the community." "I reached 100 mutations of COVID-19 with the 100 days of lockdown, all shared on Instagram @covid19replicas." "My motto: make it, eat it, don’t spread it!"
Lorenzo: "During lockdown I made a COVID-19 every single day with fruit, veggies and other things I had in the house to keep it sustainable and environmental friendly." "The food had to either be locally produced or purchased at a small local shop to support the community." "I reached 100 mutations of COVID-19 with the 100 days of lockdown, all shared on Instagram @covid19replicas." "My motto: make it, eat it, don’t spread it!"
Lorenzo: "During lockdown I made a COVID-19 every single day with fruit, veggies and other things I had in the house to keep it sustainable and environmental friendly." "The food had to either be locally produced or purchased at a small local shop to support the community." "I reached 100 mutations of COVID-19 with the 100 days of lockdown, all shared on Instagram @covid19replicas." "My motto: make it, eat it, don’t spread it!"
Jane Cornish (Stoke Newington): "My first bowl of lockdown. Thrown in a course dark clay, carved on the outside and much appreciated by my cat. The borrowed wheel can be seen in the background." "Without access to shared studios, I borrowed a wheel and started making at home, initially in the garden. I found tranquility in the process of throwing and carving bowls. The uncertainty around work and the startling daily developments of the pandemic paused when I was immersed in the process."
Jane Cornish (Stoke Newington): "Successfully fired and glazed." "Without access to shared studios, I borrowed a wheel and started making at home, initially in the garden. I found tranquility in the process of throwing and carving bowls. The uncertainty around work and the startling daily developments of the pandemic paused when I was immersed in the process."
Jane Cornish (Stoke Newington): "I continue to make these bowls. Started during lockdown, they have become my place to be." "Without access to shared studios, I borrowed a wheel and started making at home, initially in the garden. I found tranquility in the process of throwing and carving bowls. The uncertainty around work and the startling daily developments of the pandemic paused when I was immersed in the process."
Anna Strickland - "I have been doing a doorstep photography project asking friends what they are loving about lockdown to be able to help and support each other." Under the careful direction of Anne this lot went all out on the dressing up. She knows co-ordinating outfits are essential for your quarantine family. They have been loving spontaneous dance raves and lots of dinners together, spending more (socially distanced) time with neighbours on the roof top. Anne told me “We are ridiculously fortunate, we live in paradise here. And we know and appreciate it a lot! I think a lot about people who are not as fortunate as me.” I think it is important we are aware of people around us now more than ever. And helping wherever it is safe and possible.
Anna Strickland - "I have been doing a doorstep photography project asking friends what they are loving about lockdown to be able to help and support each other." The serious shot was them listening to me talk about when I was ill back in February. It is a strong image but not true to their nature or the energy of the moment. The truth is there was such love and laughter between these three that it felt almost hard to get a photo which showed the moment. But in truth this is their moment: lockdown full of love and laughter and each other. Hani brought her Mum Anita to the picture as the thing she loved. Lila says the thing she loves is tea but she didn’t think that would be appropriate for a family portrait.
Anna Strickland - "I have been doing a doorstep photography project asking friends what they are loving about lockdown to be able to help and support each other." I could post pictures of Roxanne all day. I loved taking her picture and have no many nice ones. It was hard to just choose four. Roxanne is another activist mate who has always been around similar circles and we’ve clearly got similar alignment on things we are wishing to stand in the middle of the road for. . We spoke about how much more support women who come from vulnerable backgrounds are going to need when lockdown ends and how we are going to need to diversify our methods of delivery. . Roxanne was loving me being her excuse to dress up - and so was I.
Anna Strickland - "I have been doing a doorstep photography project asking friends what they are loving about lockdown to be able to help and support each other." I mean I tried. But these kids were having none of it. It was their first time out of the flat all day and there was absolutely no staying still. The brilliance of Silvia and Matt just watching the energy do laps of the pavement I couldn’t quite capture needed a video. The kids are loving being allowed to go to the park.
Anna Strickland - "I have been doing a doorstep photography project asking friends what they are loving about lockdown to be able to help and support each other." Someone called time up the other day, you might know her, white, middle class woman, she’s really nice, and she said ‘it must be so hard for you in your small flat with your two boys’ and I thought ‘RUDE!’ I guess you don’t miss what you haven’t had, and this is my home. It’s way bigger than my last place. I know people mean well but I love it and think we’re lucky and the boys are happy and healthy and that’s what is important to me.” I love you Michlle thanks for letting me encourage your boys to leap around.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month doorstep photography continued: “We feel so blessed that our elders are still with us and that we are still here to talk about the isolation. We just wanted a small record to remember our time in lockdown so decided to take a few photographs” - Mena Mongan Pic: Catching up with some reading. #grthm2020
June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. To celebrate, Hackney Traveller residents produced doorstep photography to document their life in lockdown. Pic: Staying home with granny. #grthm2020
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month doorstep photography continued: Pic: I miss my friends at nursery #grthm2020
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month doorstep photography continued: Pic Missing the family #grthm2020. For more celebrations of the month visit londongypsiesandtravellers.org.uk, travellermovement.org.uk, gypsy-traveller.org. Hackney Housing Traveller Service 020 8356 5396.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month doorstep photography continued: Mena Mongan spoke about her experience of being in lockdown: “I found it quite straining, it’s had an awful emotional impact upon families because we are a very close connected community. So it has been quite a challenge to keep apart from our elders and isolate ourselves for their sake and for our own sake. Pic: Missing the Family, but grateful for the sun. #grthm2020
Sara Rance - Haggerston Learning how to make bread.
Sara Rance - Haggerston Learning how to make bread.
Sara Rance - Haggerston Learning how to make bread... "Many tears later".
Sara Rance - Haggerston Learning how to make bread... "Many tears later".
Sara Rance - Haggerston Learning how to make bread... "First attempt: Old Shoe"
Sam Clare, Stoke Newington "Every time my 2 year old son walks past the playground in Clissold Park he gets upset because he can't go in and play. I decided to bring the playground to him while also recycling old tyres and wood found on my exercise walks."
Wayne Snooze, Dalston " I wanted to create work inspired by the global situation that people could relate to as we are all experiencing it as well, all work created by myself using coloured pencils".
Wayne Snooze, Dalston " I wanted to create work inspired by the global situation that people could relate to as we are all experiencing it as well, all work created by myself using coloured pencils".
Wayne Snooze, Dalston " I wanted to create work inspired by the global situation that people could relate to as we are all experiencing it as well, all work created by myself using coloured pencils".
Wayne Snooze, Dalston " I wanted to create work inspired by the global situation that people could relate to as we are all experiencing it as well, all work created by myself using coloured pencils".
Chelsie Hoxby - Clapton "Our approach to lockdown with two very young children and two small businesses has been to make this time stimulating, entertaining and as uplifting as possible, and that's for us as much as the children. " "It has been an entirely new challenge but we wanted this to be a happy time for our family with our children shielded from any anxiety."
Chelsie Hoxby - Clapton "Our approach to lockdown with two very young children and two small businesses has been to make this time stimulating, entertaining and as uplifting as possible, and that's for us as much as the children. " "It has been an entirely new challenge but we wanted this to be a happy time for our family with our children shielded from any anxiety."
Oma Okolo - Sketches of the views from 56 Colvestone Crescent; street and garden. I created a painting titled ‘masks’ - working on this painting helped me get my head round the importance of PPE and hand washing. Working on this painting helped me feel less anxious because I was able to document what was going on around me.
Paul McMichael - Stoke Newington - Love and nurture - spreading the antibodies! "I am a Hackney artist and musician. During the lockdown I have been working on both a music project as well as paintings of "socially-distanced" local people with their children going about their daily lives maintaining safety and care whilst displaying the obviously necessary "social proximity" towards these coronavirus unaware next generations, as viewed through my flat window in Stamford Hill."
Oma Okolo - Sketches of the views from 56 Colvestone Crescent; street and garden."This painting is a tribute to key workers. It’s a rainbow signifying hope. My mum is holding it up which is significant because she is a retired care worker, she is over 70 and has underlying health conditions. My mum is holding up an image of the work in progress. I have also included an image of finished painting. A ladybird landed on the wet canvas just as I was completing it."
Oma Okolo - "Sketches of the views from 56 Colvestone Crescent; street and garden. I created a painting titled ‘masks’ - working on this painting helped me get my head round the importance of PPE and hand washing. Working on this painting helped me feel less anxious because I was able to document what was going on around me."
Jane Ross from Clapton: "I think Mary looks young and a little worried. Her baby is holding on to her, but it appears she is not secure in her holding role, something about the curve of her shoulders. She is my Lockdown Mary."
Jane Ross from Clapton: "I made an icon of Mary in lockdown. I teach and have another part-time job, from which I have been furloughed. I have been very disturbed by these world events but lockdown has given me more time to make. I made the broccoli image at the beginning of lockdown. I found painting little repetitive patterns soothing, and food, or lack of it, was very important. People who could, were beginning to grow their own vegetables. The broccoli is made by melting glass over a plaster cast that I made from a piece of broccoli."
The quiet beauty of Hackney’s green spaces in lockdown. captured by Hackney resident Franz . Franz says: “I believe it shows both sides of the lockdown, the bad and the good one. The bad by restricting people for a good cause to stay home, the good to see our environment getting back to his own course as it use the be before the human activity over the world.”
The quiet beauty of Hackney’s green spaces in lockdown. captured by Hackney resident Franz . Franz says: “I believe it shows both sides of the lockdown, the bad and the good one. The bad by restricting people for a good cause to stay home, the good to see our environment getting back to his own course as it use the be before the human activity over the world.”
The quiet beauty of Hackney’s green spaces in lockdown. captured by Hackney resident Franz . Franz says: “I believe it shows both sides of the lockdown, the bad and the good one. The bad by restricting people for a good cause to stay home, the good to see our environment getting back to his own course as it use the be before the human activity over the world.”
The quiet beauty of Hackney’s green spaces in lockdown. captured by Hackney resident Franz . Franz says: “I believe it shows both sides of the lockdown, the bad and the good one. The bad by restricting people for a good cause to stay home, the good to see our environment getting back to his own course as it use the be before the human activity over the world.”
The quiet beauty of Hackney’s green spaces in lockdown. captured by Hackney resident Franz . Franz says: “I believe it shows both sides of the lockdown, the bad and the good one. The bad by restricting people for a good cause to stay home, the good to see our environment getting back to his own course as it use the be before the human activity over the world.”
Kimberly Long, Homerton: "I took a walk on 18th April and took photos of what I saw. I’m only leaving home around once a week during lockdown so felt it was important to record what I saw. The streets were so quiet despite being a Saturday afternoon."
Kimberly Long, Homerton: "I took a walk on 18th April and took photos of what I saw. I’m only leaving home around once a week during lockdown so felt it was important to record what I saw. The streets were so quiet despite being a Saturday afternoon."
Kimberly Long, Homerton: "I took a walk on 18th April and took photos of what I saw. I’m only leaving home around once a week during lockdown so felt it was important to record what I saw. The streets were so quiet despite being a Saturday afternoon."
Kimberly Long, Homerton: "I took a walk on 18th April and took photos of what I saw. I’m only leaving home around once a week during lockdown so felt it was important to record what I saw. The streets were so quiet despite being a Saturday afternoon."
Kimberly Long, Homerton: "I took a walk on 18th April and took photos of what I saw. I’m only leaving home around once a week during lockdown so felt it was important to record what I saw. The streets were so quiet despite being a Saturday afternoon."
Lizanne Davis from Homerton: "I drive a dustcart for the Council, and it's heartwarming to see all the lovely tributes to key workers on display in properties all around the Borough."
Lizanne Davis from Homerton: "I drive a dustcart for the Council, and it's heartwarming to see all the lovely tributes to key workers on display in properties all around the Borough."
Lizanne Davis from Homerton: "I drive a dustcart for the Council, and it's heartwarming to see all the lovely tributes to key workers on display in properties all around the Borough. "
Nina Pearlman: Clapton "Every morning I’ve sent a photo of a wooden doll on my windowsill to a loved one who is shielding and mobility impaired. I wished to inject a sense of expansiveness into the stillness caused by the lockdown and their crippling illness, and let them know they’re not alone." "As the sun rises, I move the doll’s adjustable limbs into different positions. This has become my own personal daily ritual, and I imagine myself moving, expanding, dancing on the roof-tops and beyond."
Nina Pearlman: Clapton "Every morning I’ve sent a photo of a wooden doll on my windowsill to a loved one who is shielding and mobility impaired. I wished to inject a sense of expansiveness into the stillness caused by the lockdown and their crippling illness, and let them know they’re not alone." "As the sun rises, I move the doll’s adjustable limbs into different positions. This has become my own personal daily ritual, and I imagine myself moving, expanding, dancing on the roof-tops and beyond."
Nina Pearlman: Clapton "Every morning I’ve sent a photo of a wooden doll on my windowsill to a loved one who is shielding and mobility impaired. I wished to inject a sense of expansiveness into the stillness caused by the lockdown and their crippling illness, and let them know they’re not alone." "As the sun rises, I move the doll’s adjustable limbs into different positions. This has become my own personal daily ritual, and I imagine myself moving, expanding, dancing on the roof-tops and beyond."
Nina Pearlman: Clapton "Every morning I’ve sent a photo of a wooden doll on my windowsill to a loved one who is shielding and mobility impaired. I wished to inject a sense of expansiveness into the stillness caused by the lockdown and their crippling illness, and let them know they’re not alone." "As the sun rises, I move the doll’s adjustable limbs into different positions. This has become my own personal daily ritual, and I imagine myself moving, expanding, dancing on the roof-tops and beyond."
Nina Pearlman: Clapton "Every morning I’ve sent a photo of a wooden doll on my windowsill to a loved one who is shielding and mobility impaired. I wished to inject a sense of expansiveness into the stillness caused by the lockdown and their crippling illness, and let them know they’re not alone." "As the sun rises, I move the doll’s adjustable limbs into different positions. This has become my own personal daily ritual, and I imagine myself moving, expanding, dancing on the roof-tops and beyond."
Reg Miah, Hackney Central "This was a water colour abstract painting I created, the lockdown has enabled me space to start drawing and painting again, the colours reflect the movement and energy of life."
Zuzanna Rabikowska - Shoredicth "Untried Realities is a personal experience of social separation during Covid. Through self-portraiture, I bear the feelings of isolation, craving for human contact, and need for nature. I live in an urban and concrete part of London, without any outdoor space and I started this series on the day of the self-isolation announcement. I use mundane household scenes to create a new 'reality,' one which is physically in my flat, but one which hopefully visually transports the viewer into a parallel world. I make use of shadows and light to create humorous moments and temporary escapism from my current situation."
Zuzanna Rabikowska - Shoredicth "Untried Realities is a personal experience of social separation during Covid. Through self-portraiture, I bear the feelings of isolation, craving for human contact, and need for nature. I live in an urban and concrete part of London, without any outdoor space and I started this series on the day of the self-isolation announcement. I use mundane household scenes to create a new 'reality,' one which is physically in my flat, but one which hopefully visually transports the viewer into a parallel world. I make use of shadows and light to create humorous moments and temporary escapism from my current situation."
Zuzanna Rabikowska - Shoredicth "Untried Realities is a personal experience of social separation during Covid. Through self-portraiture, I bear the feelings of isolation, craving for human contact, and need for nature. I live in an urban and concrete part of London, without any outdoor space and I started this series on the day of the self-isolation announcement. I use mundane household scenes to create a new 'reality,' one which is physically in my flat, but one which hopefully visually transports the viewer into a parallel world. I make use of shadows and light to create humorous moments and temporary escapism from my current situation."
Zuzanna Rabikowska - Shoredicth "Untried Realities is a personal experience of social separation during Covid. Through self-portraiture, I bear the feelings of isolation, craving for human contact, and need for nature. I live in an urban and concrete part of London, without any outdoor space and I started this series on the day of the self-isolation announcement. I use mundane household scenes to create a new 'reality,' one which is physically in my flat, but one which hopefully visually transports the viewer into a parallel world. I make use of shadows and light to create humorous moments and temporary escapism from my current situation."
Zuzanna Rabikowska - Shoredicth "Untried Realities is a personal experience of social separation during Covid. Through self-portraiture, I bear the feelings of isolation, craving for human contact, and need for nature. I live in an urban and concrete part of London, without any outdoor space and I started this series on the day of the self-isolation announcement. I use mundane household scenes to create a new 'reality,' one which is physically in my flat, but one which hopefully visually transports the viewer into a parallel world. I make use of shadows and light to create humorous moments and temporary escapism from my current situation."
Paula Crane - Markets Officer, Ridley Road Market Ridley Road Market is the only market to remain open once lockdown began. With only fresh produce stalls setting up shop, and traders and shoppers adapting quickly to the new social distancing measures, the need for the market has never felt more vital as it provides affordable, fresh food served with a smile. Here are just some of the traders who've been our local food heroes.
Paula Crane - Markets Officer, Ridley Road Market Ridley Road Market is the only market to remain open once lockdown began. With only fresh produce stalls setting up shop, and traders and shoppers adapting quickly to the new social distancing measures, the need for the market has never felt more vital as it provides affordable, fresh food served with a smile. Here are just some of the traders who've been our local food heroes.
Paula Crane - Markets Officer, Ridley Road Market Ridley Road Market is the only market to remain open once lockdown began. With only fresh produce stalls setting up shop, and traders and shoppers adapting quickly to the new social distancing measures, the need for the market has never felt more vital as it provides affordable, fresh food served with a smile. Here are just some of the traders who've been our local food heroes.
Paula Crane - Markets Officer, Ridley Road Market Ridley Road Market is the only market to remain open once lockdown began. With only fresh produce stalls setting up shop, and traders and shoppers adapting quickly to the new social distancing measures, the need for the market has never felt more vital as it provides affordable, fresh food served with a smile. Here are just some of the traders who've been our local food heroes.
Paula Crane - Markets Officer, Ridley Road Market Ridley Road Market is the only market to remain open once lockdown began. With only fresh produce stalls setting up shop, and traders and shoppers adapting quickly to the new social distancing measures, the need for the market has never felt more vital as it provides affordable, fresh food served with a smile. Here are just some of the traders who've been our local food heroes.
Rivka Gluck - Stamford Hill, NHS biscuits for our frontline heroes.
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