As a way of exploring the diversity and changing nature of Brent, Roy Mehta captured these photographs in his local area Harlesden and Willesden between 1989-1993.
Recently rediscovered, many of the Revival images have never been seen until recently. Among the photographs are portraits of individuals, groups, landscapes and interiors.
Digital versions have become a permanent part of Brent Museum and Archives collection. Gallerist and writer Laura Noble has specially curated the exhibition for The Exhibition Space.
As part of Brent Museum and Archives’s Being Brent heritage wellbeing fund, Mehta reconnected with some of his original subjects and has re-shot their portraits some 30 years later. He is also making a short film where he has been interviewing the sitters about their lives.
Mehta has been working with photography as an artist, educator and commercial photographer for over 30 years. His work has been specifically concerned with ideas around cultural identity and belonging, reflecting his own background. His parents originated from India and settled in Wembley in the Sixties.
Roy Mehta’s Revival, London 1989–1993, exhibition is on show at The Library at Willesden Green, free, from March 18 until May 29.
Photographer Roy Mehta focuses on cultural identity and belonging
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Mehta captured individuals and groups in Harlesden and Willesden
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Twins Robert and Brian from Harlesden were delighted to see the photograph of themselves as youngsters
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
A flower is pinned to a smartly-dressed man’s buttonhole
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Two men smile through the typical London drizzle
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Schoolgirl with family in a sailor-style outfit
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Young men sharpen up at the hairdressers
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
A big night out in the borough
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Reading all about it on a street bench
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
An all-enveloping cuddle in a thick coat
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
An old man pauses for a moment of contemplation next to a cemetery
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Children appear to be waiting with anticipation
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
An older gentleman takes the lead
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
Wrapped up against the night chill, but all smiles
© ROY MEHTA, COURTESY OF L A NOBLE GALLERY
