Vanishing Streets
Dewi Lewis Publishing presents the book “Byker” by Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, originally published in 1983 and documenting a community in Newcastle destined for wholesale redevelopment.
For about a decade starting in 1969, Finnish photographer Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen lived in Byker, a district in the east of Newcastle. A Victorian working class area until the 60’s, a large part of the neighborhood was then considered unfit for human habitation, and destined to be demolished and redeveloped.
A close-knit, raw and joyful community comes alive in Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen’s photography, focused on daily moments of work in the local shops, desolate street corners and group celebrations, children’s games and old couples’ love.
The book “Byker” is published by Dewi Lewis Publishing and available at the price of $55.00.
