Images of 1960s slums to go on display in Sheffield

The pictures, taken for Shelter, will be on show at a free exhibition to mark the housing charity’s 50th anniversary at The Winter Garden from Monday, August 1 to Monday, August 7.

Taken by documentary photographer Nick Hedges, these images offer a rare insight into life in Britain’s slums showing families in living in cold, damp and often dangerous conditions in inner cities, including Sheffield. Shelter is urging anyone who recognises themselves, friends or family in the photos to get in touch.

Mr Hedges said: “When I was commissioned by Shelter to take these photographs, I never imagined that decades later they would still have such impact. The poverty and terrible conditions I witnessed shocked me to the core. It’s heart-breaking to know the conditions some people live in today aren’t a million miles away from the photos I took all those years ago. It would be wonderful to meet the children I photographed in Sheffield all those years ago and for them to be able to tell their stories. I often wonder what happened to them, if they went on to lead happy and healthy lives.”

Tracey Nathan, manager of Shelter’s Sheffield services, said: “Thankfully the slums of the 60s are behind us, but after 50 years this city is in the midst of another housing crisis. I’d encourage everyone to come and see these shocking and powerful pictures for themselves. They are an incredibly important part of this city’s history.”