Final Images

Flat 34 - Warwick.

Two floors down, I knock on the door of flat 34 and i'm greeted by Warwick. He welcomes me into his lounge where one of Beethoven's  symphonies, leaking out of the old record player, atmospherically reaches momentum, overpowering any other noise to be heard. The volume is quickly adjusted and restored to a amicable level, enabling conservation proceeded. 

Warwick has lived at Gwydyr for 9 years and is a "familiar", as he puts it, face to many of the other residents. "I don't remember people as well as they remember me", hinting at his crippled appearance that leaves him dependent on crutches when walking due to a spinal disability. As a member of the Gwydyr Mansions board which involves keeping the maintenance of the building in check, he also claims to know thirty of the residents on a first name basis. He finds living here convenient as its in short distance of town and finds the community  strongly supports his Jewish heritage. 

Taking a short browse around I noticed the endless amount of canine memorabilia that occupied nearly every crevice of his home. It turns out that Warwick was a former professional dog judge in his younger years, participating in well known organisations such as cruffs. This also resulted in him extensively travelling to many different parts of the world most significantly to Australia and New Zealand where he took on the role of being an international judge. He expressed his love for New Foundland dogs and recalled that his late wife also had a similar strong affection towards Pickingeses, both of which were avid features to most of the furnishings.


I choose to photograph Warwick in his study as it is the room in which he spends most of his time. The walls were plastered with just some of the many certificates he was been rewarded with over the years. I'm satisfied with my decision to picture him surrounded by the  memorabilia of his past life achievements and the various items of man's best friend as I feel that this demonstrates his unique character. 

Flat 41A - Kate & Olfar, Pebbles & Gilly. 

Its five steps away from my doormat to flat 41A,  my most immediate neighbors of all. Kate answers the door and leads me up some stairs to the cramped kitchen/lounge area where I greet her partner Olfar who is sitting at the breakfast bar, feeding the two cats, Pebbles and Gilly. 

The couple have only lived in the building for a year and have so far maintain a low profile from the other residents. Apart from me and my family, they can only describe what the other residents look like but not put a name to a face. The apartment is also considerably smaller than most of the others and the decor on the walls is somewhat mimilist. The flat is owned by Kate's father, who is happy to allow them  to reside here on condition that they will (at some point) renovate the property to a comfortable living standard. Kate is a works in London for a law firm whilst Olfar is a self employed locksmith. The cats play a very important part of the couple lives and have free run of the flat, which appears to be designed more for their comfort than that of their owners.  

Flat 44 - Gene.

A short stroll across the hall and I bump into Gene who has just returned back from a 13 mile run. Still dressed in his jogging gear I ask if I should come back later when he had changed but he confirmed that he was happy to commence the session there and then.

Gene has been a resident for 5 years but has been in the UK for 10 years since coming over from America. He is a qualified psychiatrist but has a passion for running. He has competed in many half marathons and is currently training for upcoming London marathon this spring. His apartment conforms to contemporary living, all modern day trimmings are in evidence. A large pile of books occupy most of his desk space which he has promised himself we will "read" at some stage. His living room walls are also personalized with innovative art and sculptures possibly souvenirs from his round the world travels. Gene is also another member of the board and so regularly socialises with other residents, stating that he know atleast ten in total. 


Flat 25 - Sally.
Its a moderate walk from north block to south, stopping at 25 where my last subject, Sally lives. This week is quite a busy one for her as in a couple days she and her husband are moving to Henfeild after spending six and half years at Gwydyr. So these are the last photographs of her in her apartment before she hands over the keys. Apart from lots of her possessions being in boxes in preparation for moving, you could tell that her apartment had a traditional homely atmosphere. It was very tidy and spotlessly clean which in some ways mirrored her well groomed appearance. 

She will be moving to a house with a garden, which will cater for the lively eight month old Labrador puppy. However recalls that her time at Gwydyr has been enjoyable. She will be handing over the role of being head of the board and saying goodbye to the twenty other residents she has gotten to know since arriving at the building.