Simon Murphy, an award-winning photographer, has captured the vibrant community of Govanhill in Glasgow through more than 150 black and white street portraits. As a melting pot of nationalities and cultures where an estimated 88 languages are spoken, Govanhill has been close to Murphy’s heart since his grandmother moved there in the early 1970s. Murphy’s Govanhill project is a celebration of this diverse community, often dubbed New York’s Ellis Island as a point of arrival for immigrants seeking a better life in Glasgow.
Murphy’s passion for street photography is more than just a job; it is a visual journey that takes him to the heart of the community, where he captures the essence of its people. He has been taking pictures of residents and passersby for more than two decades, offering his unique perspective on the area. Murphy believes that Govanhill has its treasure in its people, and his portraits are a testament to that.
One of the most celebrated photographs in Murphy’s project is of Paisley, whom he met in a McDonald’s with her young son. Paisley’s ‘People Make Glasgow’ badge and the strength she embodies in Murphy’s portrait has designated her as the face of the project. Murphy’s photographs project the real people of Govanhill, from its street warriors and performers, including performance artist Seamus and a giant rat, to Shahida Begum, a refugee from the Rohingya community photographed in a camp in Bangladesh.
Murphy shoots on medium format film, which gives his portraits a timeless quality, emphasizing the character and features of each subject. He says, “The street is my studio and I want people to be proud of their pictures.” Murphy’s exhibitions are a testament to his love for the people of Govanhill, capturing the essence of the community he calls his home. Murphy’s Govanhill is on display at the Street Level Photoworks in Trongate, Glasgow, until 27 January
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