Phone Box

[Chris Bennett]

This is a great comment. As a print finisher I find myself usually a little tentative about my personal work. After producing work from so many "Real" photographers I'm not sure my own is quite good enough. This definitely keeps me from showing my work.

Just a thought. If you have another opportunity to place work in a booth maybe some of the papers that can be printed on both sides would be a choice to consider. MOAB has a nice photo black two-sided paper. There are matte black choices as well but I think the PK paper would hold up better to the outdoor environment. Maybe print a photo book that looks like a phone book on the cover?

All the best in your endeavors.

Thanks for the tips Bill! Also, I am glad that what I said may encourage you in some way to get your work out there.

 

[Wes Hall]

Evening all, following a brief chat with Chris I mentioned I’d been to enjoy his exhibition and share some pictures of the phone box of forum legend. I’m a fan of the urban setting at night, and Chris’s work has enhanced this slice of Lancaster. Thanks for creating this project Chris, it’s stimulating new art from it.

 

[Chris Bennett]

He-heh - let's have a meta-exhibition!

 

[Chris Bennett]

Last week, I gave a couple interviews about the project. Here's the result of one of them.

Photographer turns phone box into exhibition before BT remove it

Chris Bennett has been taking photographs through the layers of glass at the Lancashire kiosk.

www.bbc.com

 

[Gary Ayala]

Nice article. I hope you're coordinating the telephone phone removal with BT so you can document the final moments ... the last stand of the Penny Street Phone Box.

 

[Chris Bennett]

Nice article. I hope you're coordinating the telephone phone removal with BT so you can document the final moments ... the last stand of the Penny Street Phone Box.

I tried, Gary, but they can't, or won't reveal the date it is scheduled to be removed.

 

[Gary Ayala]

I tried, Gary, but they can't, or won't reveal the date it is scheduled to be removed.

... I hope you're nearby and can watch 24/7 ... it would be a fitting conclusion, a mic drop to your project. Sorta like musicians destroying their instruments at the end of a concert. True closure.

PS- I would suspect BT would have to post some type of public notice and/or delineate off the work area prior to demolition/removal. Consequently, Mr. Chris, I'm expecting your documentation of the Phone Box removal ... a final crescendo to your Penny Street phone box work.

 

[Chris Bennett]

... I hoe you're nearby and can watch 24/7 ... it would be a fitting conclusion, a mic drop to your project. Sorta like musicians destroying their instruments at the end of a concert. True closure.

PS- I would suspect BT would have to post some type of public notice and/or delineate off the work area prior to demolition/removal. Consequently, Mr. Chris, I'm expecting your documentation of the Phone Box removal ... a final crescendo to your Penny Street phone box work.

Doing my best to make it happen, Gary!

 

[Pete Askew]

Well, it's been a while since I posted on RPF and even longer since this thread has been troubled with a new post!

The project has continued though, with plenty more shots of Lancaster life through the filter of sorely abused windows.

Lollipop - International Workers Day march May 2025

Marcher - International Workers Day march May 2025

Band - International Workers Day march May 2025

Open handed

Still hanging on

On the ground floor

More gems from this phone box. I especially like the Marcher and the Open Handed angel!

 

[Pete Askew]

As it happens, earlier this month, a sign appeared to announce that they were coming to take it away...

I moved quickly when I saw the sign and contacted the press office of BT, the phone provider. I was astounded that they agreed to me hosting a pop-up exhibition inside the now disabled kiosk.

That was Friday of last week.
We go live this Saturday!

And you’ve even managed to squeeze out another brilliant shot from this tragic announcement. Is he sad about it or does he really not know what the fuss is about?!

 

[Pete Askew]

I think you summed this whole project up perfectly in that last quote in the interview.

That telephone booth-shaped book is a must you know!

 

[Paul Taylor]

These look like a 90s grunge/alternative cd cover/booklet in all the best ways

 

[Chris Bennett]

And you’ve even managed to squeeze out another brilliant shot from this tragic announcement. Is he sad about it or does he really not know what the fuss is about?!

He was totally oblivious to the earth stopping news, Pete!

 

[Chris Bennett]

I think you summed this whole project up perfectly in that last quote in the interview.

That telephone booth-shaped book is a must you know!

Thanks Pete.
Yes, a lot of people have been saying it needs a book to finish the whole thing off.

 

[Chris Bennett]

Someone who writes for the PetaPixel website contacted me about the project/exhibition and they published an article about it today.

Phone Booth Photo Project Becomes Unusual Exhibition

A most unusual show.

petapixel.com

 

[Pete Askew]

Bennett, eh! Is that your ‘stage' name now you’re famous? It worked for Bailly and Rankin I suppose!