It’s not long until the infamous Notting Hill Carnival will be upon us again. Ahead of the festivities, photographer Pennie Smith has turned a street in W10 into the ultimate Carnival photo album.
The British rock photographer who made her name capturing the escapades of The Rolling Stones and The Clash has been out on the streets of London, shooting local celebrities in traditional black and white film. Her shots include a tube station manager, police commander, jerk chicken stall holder and steel band player, all captured during the July, whilst preparations for the 47th Carnival got underway.
Smith said that she was keen to capture those that work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the carnival to life, these are what she calls ‘The Makers.’ These often go unnoticed amongst the well-known faces, but are the core to the spirit of W10 where they will go on display.
One of ‘The Makers’, Police Commander Mick Johnson, is the Carnival’s longest serving copper. Johnson has worked the beat for the last 32 years, and this year is set to be his last. A further veteran of the scene Norman Jay is also celebrated.
Street Gallery of Notting Hill Carnival’s ‘Makers’ will go on view during Carnival, on the corner of Portobello Road and Lancaster Street.
Notting Hill Carnival, W10, 26-27 August 2012
