TRADING PLACES
Images and reflections about Bradford's Kirkgate and Oastler Markets ahead of the planned transition to Darley Street
Bradford is UK City of Culture throughout 2025. It is also the year when two long-established covered markets move from their existing sites to a new, purpose-built location. The new market forms part of a wider urban regeneration scheme, rather than a year-long arts programme, this photography project documents an evolving aspect of Bradford’s social and cultural heritage. As one trader puts it on an audio-visual version of this photobook:
‘The demographic of Bradford is a very wonderful mix of all walks of life – and that’s very important. As a grocery business dealing in fresh items, we have to service the public and there’s so many different requirements … we adapt our business as things change over the years in Bradford. It’s just nice to be a community greengrocer.’
Promotional material for the new Darley Street Market explains it is intended to ‘provide a home for passionate, independent traders’. This photography project gives glimpses of the spirit that no online store or out-of-town shopping centre could replicate. How could they curate displays and polish their produce in the same way or cultivate such relationships, conversations and trust with their customers? One of them describes this experience:
‘It has a different feel to it. It’s more laid-back … You don’t feel pushed into anything. They’re just nice old places with a bit of something about them. I just like to nosey about to see what changes have been made, for as long as they last, because nought lasts forever does it? I just like it.’
Gerard
Liston. June 2025
