A collection of photographs depicting life in Bangor in the 1970s, will be included in the Photography Collection of the National Library of Wales.

 

The photographs were taken by Garry Stuart, when he was a post grad MSc student at UCNW Bangor, he was just 21 years-old.

Whenever Garry had the chance he picked up his Nikon F, loaded it with Tri-X film and walked the streets of Bangor, especially the Hirael district. This area of North Wales had connections to the Penrhyn Slate Quarries and Port Penrhyn where most of the locals had worked until the demand for Welsh slate diminished.

Photographing street scenes, many of the people he met were happy to pose for portraits some even inviting him in to their homes for a ‘Panad’ (cup of tea).

During holidays and weekends Garry worked at Royston Photographic Camera, owned by Ronnie Aggent. Ronnie took him under his wing and they had many discussions on photographic styles during the store’s quieter moments.

Over forty years later these photographs have captured a brief moment in time in a North Wales community, which was undergoing change. How different life looked back then.

These are not photographs of poverty and deprivation but of a proud community of which the elder members had lived through two World Wars. Their resilience and honesty can be seen in their eyes as they look directly into the lens.

On the news that his photos will now be included in the National Library of Wales archive, Garry said: “Great news today.

“My documentary photography in North Wales in the mid 1970s is to be included in the Photography Collection of the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

“That’s what I’ll be working on this winter.

“Thanks to north Wales Artist Pete Jones for his role in making this happen.”

Bangor artist Pete Jones, who contacted the National Library of Wales about the photos, said: “I’m so very glad that Garry Stuart’s 1970s photographs of Hirael and it’s people are to become part of the collection of the National Library of Wales.

“These images stand against any visual record of the social history of working class Wales. Their power is magnified for me due to my own roots in the Hirael area of Bangor.

“Every time I see them I am filled with emotion and I am so proud to have lived and grown up in such a special community.

“These images of Hirael will now be protected forever and will be available to the whole nation. Thank you Garry Stuart.”

All images © Garry Stuart.