You and Me in HU3 presented the work of two artists, Russell Boyce and George Norris. The exhibition wove together a series of black and white photographs taken over 40 years ago with ongoing work shot in colour. Through this duality, You and Me in HU3 charted almost half a century of change across an area of Hull which has seen vast social transformation since the decline of the fishing industry in the mid 20th century.
Composed of distinct series of images, the exhibition reflected a breadth of social issues whether historic or contemporary. In “Changing Times”, Russell presented an intimate set of photographs documenting daily life for a young mum during the 1980s housing crisis, whilst “Rag-Bone” explored the once prevalent but now declining occupation of the rag-and-bone man. George’s series “Gypsy Childhood” was a set of images born out of the artist’s sustained generational relationship with one of Hull’s horse-trading Gypsy communities, meanwhile “A Love Letter to Hull” was a celebratory ode from the artist to his city, loaded with warmth, love and familiarity.
In addition to the work presented at Humber Street Gallery, a selection of images were displayed outdoors at Gipsyville Library throughout the duration of the exhibition.
About the artists
The exhibition YOU and Me in HU3 also tells a story of friendship. In 1983, Russell Boyce, age 21, was studying at Hull College of Art, under the tutorage of renowned documentarian Daniel Meadows. Living on St Georges Road he documented his local community including third generation rag-and-bone man, 19-year-old, George Norris. In 2011, after the death of his mother, George discovered a vanity box containing family photographs, one of which was an image of George and his mother taken by Russell in 1983.The discovery of the photograph had a profound impact on George, leading him to reconnect with Russell and begin photographically documenting his own shared history with HU3. Prior to this, working away for long periods on the oil rigs, George had felt like an occasional tourist in his own city. Meanwhile, Russell’s path had taken him to work as an international news photographer for global agency Reuters.
Since reconnecting with George, Russell has returned to Hull to re-imagine some of his original work, linking the bodies of work taken forty years apart in HU3, with new work. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, Kandy de Barry’ documents drag Artist Bobby Mandrell (Ray Millington), ‘Star & Garter (Rayners)’ documents lunchtime drinkers in the infamous pub on Hessle Road which was once central to the fishing community whilst ‘Living the Changes’ examines the housing and unemployment crisis in Hull in the 1980’s.
George, now an established documentary photographer, presents a selection of ongoing imagery reflecting contemporary HU3 communities; ‘Peacocks’ examines sub-cultures in HU3 and further afield: tattoos, body piercing, clubbing, punk and rockabilly to name a few. ‘Gypsy Childhood’ is a series of portraits of gypsy children as they temporarily settle in Hull’s HU3. And ‘Love letter to Hull’ is street photography at its most compassionate as George documents the community he lives in.
Accessibility
Is Humber Street Gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. You can access every part of the gallery without steps. The entrance is level with the street, and there’s a lift to all floors, including the rooftop.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Yes. We have one all-gender accessible toilet on the ground floor with grab rails and emergency pull cords.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Absolutely. We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other trained assistance animals throughout the building.
Do you provide large print or accessible exhibition guides?
Yes. We offer large print as standard and Dyslexia-friendly versions of exhibition texts. You can pick them up in the gallery or download them from the exhibition pages of our website.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I need a break?
We know the gallery can sometimes feel busy or overwhelming. Ask a member of staff and we’ll help you find a quieter space to take a moment.
Do you offer sensory-friendly experiences?
Some exhibitions include sensory content and we have regular quiet hours. We also have ear defenders available to borrow at the front desk. If you need anything specific, get in touch before your visit. You can find details of our noisy and quiet hours at the top of this page.
Is there Blue Badge parking nearby?
Yes. There are Blue Badge parking bays on Humber Street and surrounding roads, just a short distance from the gallery.
Are your events and workshops accessible?
We aim to make all events as accessible as possible. Access details vary depending on the activity, so check individual listings or contact us with any questions.
What if I have an access need that’s not listed here?
We’re happy to chat and find ways to support your visit. You can call us, email us or drop in for a conversation.