Alastair Taylor ARPS

Alastair Taylor ARPS DPAGB/AV

Shrewsbury

My main photographic interest is in Audio Visual production where I produce documentaries on a range of subjects.

In Beyond the Wall, I tell the story of Her Majesty’s Prison Shrewsbury, The Dana as it is called. It closed in 2013 but remains open as a tourist attraction giving an interesting insight into the industrial nature of a Victorian prison. I am of the view that the stories from here, including the last man hanged, are probably best left “Beyond the Wall”. My photography illustrates the symmetry of this Thomas Telford designed icon, a building which leaves a real impression for a variety of reasons.

On another photographic expedition, with a focus on street photography, the award winning indoor market makes for an interesting opportunity to record the sights and sounds. This coincided with the height (or perhaps depth) of the Covid Pandemic so mask wearing was compulsory.

On the same day, a protest group were active in the High Street, with the police and locals politely watching on or walking on by as the protesters were making their point about the “green credentials” of a well known banking group.

In a final hint at a future project, I have pictured Charles Darwin, famous son of Shrewsbury whose statue stands outside the library. How did this county town shape Darwin? Did his childhood here contribute to the making of a marvellous mind ?