First of all apologies to the people of Arnold and Gedling Borough Council, because this shot does not show Arnold at it's best.
I've been trying to shoot this shot for a few weeks, but failed because there was always some cars parked in front of the shops !
My wife suggested, that if I wanted the shot 'car free' , I should take an alternate route on Ruby's Sunday morning walk and walk into Arnold rather than St. Marys Park.
The conditions for the shot were not ideal as the sun was low and the flats above the shots were all blown out by the sun.
I wanted the shot to make a statement about the changing face of our High Streets ....actually this is Arnold Front Street......High Street runs parallel , but this is the main shopping street in Arnold.
The scene is probably replicated throughout the land. Our shops reflect what's happening in society
The Cheque Centre - short term loans, pawn broker for jewellery, cheque cashing, representative 2115.69% APR ...Yes your read it right 2115.69% APR
Bet Fred ......A bookmakers
The Money Shop ....just the same as the cheque centre....Payday Loans, Pawn Broking, Cash 'til payday, cash for gold !! 2670.8% APR representative.
Depressing isn't it ?
If you view large you will see a reflection of the 'Cash Generator' shop in Bet Fred's Window ...another pawn broker, money lending organisation.
Maybe I'm being too hard, too simplistic with this shot and narrative. The shops would not be there if there wasn't a 'need for them'. Maybe it's easy to take the 'high morale ground' while I'm still in full time employment.
I'd like to point out that I have posted some beautiful pictures of Arnold and surrounding district...civic parks, country parks, churches etc. ...so I think I'm in credit for this gritty urban shot.
I know half the picture is a road, but it does add to the starkness.
My first instinct was to laugh at this all too familiar scene but if you don't laugh you cry at our poor country going to the dogs like this. This could be Blackpool, Preston, Lancaster & if there aren't betting or loan shops there are charity shops by the dozen.
I think you are right in saying if you have a job these days things are OK but once that job goes there but for the grace of God go I. Great talking point Phil.
Oh thats really grim...you've certainly captured a depressing scene and even better for the lack of cars and the rather scruffy looking individual.....you have made your point here very well!!
You are right Phil, this is a stark reminder of what is happening everywhere in our country and it sums up the state we are in perfectly. It's an excellent shot because it says it all perfectly.
a rather bleak shot Phil, but a very true view of many places - I'm amazed that even my local town that used to be full of boutiques is showing the signes of the recession - pound shops opening up and money shops. it's a sad sight really, I can't imagine getting the nice shops back! Like the emptiness of the street too
Suitably grim Phil. Its similar where I live, beautiful views when youve got your back to the town, but boarded up shops and cash generators in the high streets...
October 21st, 2012
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
You fair nailed the feeling in this Phil.
I think you are right in saying if you have a job these days things are OK but once that job goes there but for the grace of God go I. Great talking point Phil.