JANET MENDELSOHN: VARNA ROAD
Almost 50 years ago the Balsall Heath district of Birmingham was about to be transformed. In a state of flux this unique district of the city was to undergo significant change that would include the demolition of entire streets.
The working class area was to be cleared of its slums and within two years would become unrecognisable. Before this change was due to take place photographer Janet Mendelsohn enrolled as a student at the newly-established Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS). It was here she was encouraged by her tutors to explore ways in which photography could be used in field research.
During the late ‘60s Balsall Heath was Birmingham’s largest red light district; a place of work for some 200 prostitutes. During 1967-69 Mendelsohn captured this extraordinary insight into the lives of some of the women, along with their domestic arrangements and personal relationships, as well as the nature of their profession.
During her time as a student Mendelsohn formed a close relationship with one of the women, referred to as Kathleen. Kathleen is photographed in the upstairs bedroom window of her home soliciting passers-by. The photographer’s relationship with the sex worker goes beyond taking images during her work; Kathleen is also seen in private moments with her children and partner giving the viewer an insight in to the trust and understanding Mendlesohn had with her subjects.
Janet Mendelsohn took some 3,000 documentary images during this period offering us an important snapshot of the difficult and often hard life of the residents of Balsall Heath during this time in history.
Janet Mendelsohn – Varna Road
Ikon Gallery
Image credits:
Image 1: Janet Mendelsohn, Kathleen outside the bar (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.
Image 2: Janet Mendelsohn, The street (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.
Image 3: Janet Mendelsohn, Kathleen (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.
Image 4: Janet Mendelsohn, Kathleen and Salim at home (c.1968). Black and white photographic print. Courtesy Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham.
