Geffrye Museum will present 'Cycle of Life - Hackney Elders in their Gardens', an exhibition of portraits by Sophie Verhagen, running from 16 October 2007 to 4 February 2008.
This small display of photographs by freelance photographer Sophie Verhagen is a moving portrayal of a selection of Hackney's older residents in their gardens. The subjects reflect the great social and cultural diversity of Hackney's population.
These private spaces provide a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of urban living; tending them often gives their owners a sense of pride, well-being and autonomy at a time in their lives when they may be struggling to maintain their independence and remain in their homes. All of the participants in this project take pride in the appearance of their garden.
Verhagen met these people whilst volunteering for Anchor Staying Put's gardening project, which helps older people in Hackney to maintain their gardens, sometimes by adapting them so that they are lower maintenance, sometimes by just cutting the lawn or doing some pruning. She says, "The project has introduced many people into my life that I would not have known otherwise, who in turn have enriched my life through their stories, good humour and stoicism. I would like to share this experience through my photos with others".
One of the subjects reflects, "I came here in 1954 to finish off my nursing training. I've lived in Hackney for thirty-five years and brought up my children here. I used to take care of the garden and grew a lot of vegetables – lettuce, tomato, cucumber, potato – and I fed my family with them. Anchor is a big help to me because I love my garden and I can't manage it anymore". -- www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
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