100 Faces of Croydon
Last year, I stumbled upon a community-led photography and music project from London Mozart Players, showcasing the local people who make the borough of Croydon unique.
Norman
Artist and founder of Norwood JunkAction
From the beginning, it was clear that this project wasn't just about taking pictures but about capturing the essence of Croydon – its people and their stories. 30 local photographers captured portraits of 100 people in locations representing what the area means to them, all in celebration of Croydon's designation as the London Borough of Culture. Two photographs of each 'face' were taken. One is a black and white headshot, and the other is a colour photo taken in an environment representing what Croydon means to them.
Sheree
Retired; u3a volunteer
One of the most rewarding parts of this project was meeting individuals with unique stories reflecting the diverse experiences and backgrounds within the community. The project focused on exploring the connection between people and place; each setting was integral to the narrative. It wasn't just about taking photos but about making connections, listening to stories and immortalising moments. 100 Faces of Croydon is more than just a collection of photographs; it's a testament to the richness and diversity of this borough and the people who call it home.
Simon
Purley & Woodcote Ward Councillor
The images were revealed during LMP's Mozart: the Mixtape on Saturday, 10 February 2024 concert and then released in an online gallery. The 100 'faces' performed Ligeti's Poème Symphonique for 100 metronomes during this reveal.
100 Faces of Croydon was funded and supported by This is Croydon: The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan's, London Borough of Culture. It was created in association with photographer Kaupo Kikkas, conductor Jonathan Bloxham and Lenses of Croydon.
