The commoners
In recent times there has been a renewed interest in the idea of The Commons as a way of giving expression to what holds us together as opposed to what divides us.
With its origin in the ancient rights to the bounty of the land enjoyed by villagers in the subsistence economy, it has come to refer to those resources that are held in common rather than owned privately. Even now the digital world has its Creative Commons.
But in Upper Clapton we have gone one step further. For us it’s not just an idea but an experiment in new ways of relating to one another and to the place where we live and work.
Who are ‘The Commoners’?
Clapton Commons asked photographer Katy Palmer to take portraits of some individuals from our neighbourhood who are in some way pioneering what it means to be a Commoner in Upper Clapton.
What makes us tick? How do we look after one another and take ownership of our neighbourhood? What are the practices of a Commoner?
This series hope to begin a longer term conversation around how we as commoners can use our shared assets to build a better neighbourhood for all.
Please join us for an outdoor photographic exhibition of 'The Commoners' at Liberty Hall, E5 9AA on Sunday 24th October from 3 to 5pm.
Photographer: Katy Palmer
https://www.katypalmer.com/photography
With thanks to the participants and Commons pioneers;
Lina — Muisca Holistica, George — Cafe Muisca, Ali — Carib Eat, Jackie — Old Hill Community School, Terry — Leaside Trust, Charlie — Cafe Muisca, Chana — Meadows & Green, Zoya — Meadows & Green, Alex — Artist, Garry — Wing Chun master, Julie — Wing Chun support, Ash — Dialogue Cafe, Lisa — Artist and local volunteer, Khin — Made in Hackney, Lovel and Gary — Pantonics, David — Kosher Spot
