Photographing the true heart of Holbeck

Holbeck Elderly Aid have teamed up with the Northern Monk Brewery to produce a calendar that captures the true heart of Holbeck.

The photographic project, inspired by the photoblog and book by Brandon Stanton, Humans Of New York, saw twenty members given disposable cameras and invited to take a series of photographs in Holbeck and note down the story behind each shot. The list of suggestions included a portrait shot, the ‘heart of Holbeck’, industry, life and a Holbeck hero.

Residents were invited to a launch session in August where they got snapping tips from a professional photographer. A selection of the best pictures are to be displayed in an exhibition in the Chapter Hall at Northern Monk’s base in the Old Flax Store at Marshall’s Mill in Holbeck.

Thirteen shots are also being turned into a calendar celebrating the diversity of life in Holbeck. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go to Holbeck Elderly Aid to support their work in the local community. The calendar, and a special collaboration beer to celebrate the project, will be launched on Friday 12 October at Northern Monk Brewery, from 7pm.

Although only established five years ago, Northern Monk Brewery is gaining an international reputation for its craft ales. However, it is very proud of its roots in Holbeck and keen to play its part in the community. It has funded all costs associated with the project. A spokeperson for the brewery said:

“We are committed to working with charitable organisations, local businesses and anyone who shares our passion for detail, respect for humanity and its natural resources. We regularly collaborate with breweries and businesses from near and far to help strengthen the North for positive change and to continually diversify our own offering.”

Find out more about Holbeck Elderly Aid’s services at holbeckelderlyaid.org.uk or ring (0113) 245 5553.