These impactful photographs reveal the deplorable conditions within Birmingham’s slums during the late 1960s. Displayed at a free exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the housing charity Shelter, the images were showcased at the Custard Factory last year.
Captured by photographer Nick Hedges for Shelter, these potent images vividly portray families enduring harsh living conditions—cold, damp, and frequently perilous—in the inner city of Birmingham.
While a student in the city, Nick took these pictures in areas such as Winson Green, Balsall Heath, Saltley, Aston, and Ladywood. Now, he is eager to connect with anyone who recognizes themselves in the photographs, aiming to learn about their life journeys since then.
Born in Bromsgrove, Nick pursued photography at Birmingham College of Art. For his final project in 1968, he collaborated with Birmingham Housing Trust to capture images of the city’s slums, leading to his subsequent commission by Shelter.
At the age of 73, he reflects, “I never anticipated that decades later, my photographs would still resonate with such profound impact.”
“The poverty and appalling conditions I witnessed shook me to the core. While residing in a modest student flat in Handsworth, it felt like a palace compared to these desperate places. The challenge stemmed from Birmingham’s ambitious regeneration plans formulated in the 1930s, which, unfortunately, were deferred due to the disruptions caused by the Second World War and the subsequent austerity era.”
“Only in the late ’70s did Birmingham begin to address the housing situation. Tragically, back then, there was an assumption that the council and the government would resolve this issue, and now, 50 years later, the situation remains dire. While slums may be a thing of the past, the need for Shelter is more critical than ever.”
“It’s truly disheartening to realize that the living conditions for some people today aren’t significantly different from the photos I captured all those years ago. A home should provide safety and security, yet too many families are deprived of this. It would be incredibly meaningful to reunite with the children I photographed in Birmingham years ago, allowing them to share their stories. I often ponder about their lives since then, hoping they found happiness and health.”
Nick recalls two families vividly, especially Greta and Steve from Ladywood. Despite being younger than him and lacking a bathroom, they cared for their two children with remarkable love.
There’s Mrs. Milne, residing in Vincent Crescent in Balsall Heath, which has since vanished due to slum clearance. Nick reflects, “She was facing dire circumstances, caring for four children without any support whatsoever.”
“I recall her tucking the children into bed, sharing a bed with minimal bedding—just cushions and coats. It was truly distressing; I was profoundly shocked by the conditions she endured.”
Vicky Hines, Shelter’s Birmingham manager, urges everyone to witness these impactful and alarming pictures firsthand.
“They constitute a crucial chapter in this city’s history, illustrating the progress made in the last 50 years while underscoring the ongoing need for further action. These images serve as a stark reminder of the tens of thousands of families still yearning for a safe and secure place to call home.”
THIS IS NOW BIRMINGHAM TODAY
