For about 2 years, I’ve been making images on the Moulsecoomb allotment in north Brighton. I’m not an allotment enthusiast, but nevertheless, I recognise that allotments are remarkable sites of community activity.

They are full of conflict and contradiction, being a communal good, but also sites of self-centred activity. They are perhaps Temporary Autonomous Zones, but they are certainly also places where people feel free to do what they wish, often to others’ chagrin.

They are sites of nurturing and care, but also frugality, and the least possible work. Everything can be stolen, much is given. Like many other creative endeavours, work there is 90% perspiration, 10% frustration. And yet people love them.

This project is in-progress, and I’m not sure of its final form, if it will have one at all. This is where I’m at so far.

Photo Fringe Exhibition, October 2024

I’m exhibiting cyanotype prints from this project as part of a group show in the Phot Fringe festival, running throughout October 2024. Or show is at Plus X Innovation hub, on Lewes Road, open to the public office hours Mon-Fri.

Details on the Photo Fringe website

Cyanotype Prints

Limited edition cyanotype prints from the project are available from my shop: https://andrewsleighphotography.square.site/s/shop

Artist Book

As ell as cyanotypes, I’m also making photographic images on, about, and around allotments. This is a work-in-progress, and currently takes the form of an artist book. This is on show at the Photo Fringe exhibition.