We are proud to present an iconic selection of photographs by Shirley Baker (1932 – 2024). Shirley Baker was one of Britain’s most compelling yet underappreciated social documentary photographers. Her street photography of the working-class inner city areas of Salford and Manchester, taken from 1960 until 2000, would come to define her humanist vision. Her curiosity and engagement with the everyday world around her resulted in many different strands of work, many of which are yet to be exhibited. Each strand and each image confirms her acute observation and visual humour as well as compassion for the lives of ordinary people.

Look out for a film screening event on 8 March (part of Stroud Film Festival) and other events linked to this special exhibition, organised in collaboration with Hundred Heroines and the Rosary School.

Exhibition curated by Fred Chance who in past years has brought a series of world-class photography exhibitions to Stroud under the ‘PhotoStroud’ banner.

Photographs kindly on loan from the Estate of Shirley Baker, with thanks to Nan Levy, daughter of Shirley Baker.