One of a set of photographs taken by Solomon Charles-Kelly as part of the Chapeltown Photographic Residency, this series of portraits were taken with members of the community as part of the celebrations of the birthday of Haile Selassie on 20th July 2024. Solomon said of these images: "Selassie is an important figure within different communities that are active within and around the centre. His birthday is classed as one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian calendar and is widely celebrated through music, dress and hymns. The portrait sessions were run by Solomon with an assistant, with a simple two light set up, and using the netting/sheeting from the main rooms as a backdrop so the images could be recognised as a part of the centre, whilst keeping a flat and controlled tonality, brining out the dress of the participants. It was a drop-in session, attracting participants from the celebrations in the main room of LCAC, but encouraging participants to think about their representation in the image, as well as their relationship to photography. The Selassie celebrations made this an excellent fit, as Selassie is a symbol of self-identity within Rastafarianism."
In 2024 Historic England commissioned Lens Lab Project, a non-profit creative research project, to manage a 6-month photographic residency focused on the Leeds Caribbean and African Centre and its communities in Chapeltown. Solomon Charles-Kelly, photographer and local resident, was appointed to undertake the residency in 2024. He worked alongside the community to co-create a contemporary portrait of the North Leeds suburb. This set of images forms part of the creative output of the project.
Solomon described the project in these words: "As the Chapeltown Photographer-in-Residence, I had the unique opportunity to capture the spirit, identity, and culture of the Chapeltown community in Leeds. The project allowed me to connect with the place I have always called home, and to document the stories and experiences of the African and Caribbean community that, to me, form its heart. This residency was an invaluable chance to celebrate Chapeltown’s past, present, and future through a body of work that reflects the area's richness, diversity, and resilience.
The project involved creating an archive that captured the everyday lives, key events, and the changes happening across Chapeltown. I wanted it to be an authentic portrayal of the community's vibrancy and unity amidst ongoing changes, which can then be part of the Historic England Archive as a snapshot of the community now. Throughout the residency, I worked closely with a diverse range of community members, including elders, young people, and local organizations. Through this I gained a deeper understanding of the community, learning about their challenges, their pride in their heritage, and ensuring they maintain a sense of identity. Hearing their stories and experiencing their warmth allowed me to appreciate the unyielding sense of unity that binds the community together.
As part of this project, I conducted a series of workshops, encouraging community members to take part in the image-making process. I created conversations about identity and representation through photography by encouraging them to think about how their image represents them. In other workshops, I worked with other groups to discuss and learn about the heritage of communities through walking and understanding place or using archive images to discuss families, archives, and histories in the area. The images are an intimate portrait of Chapeltown today. I wanted to capture the essence of the community's spirit—its resilience, diversity, and connection to its roots. The photographs highlight everyday moments, celebrations, gatherings, and the quieter aspects of life, portraying the richness of culture and tradition that define Chapeltown. By involving the community in the creation process, the images reflect not just my perspective, but also the collective voice of those who call Chapeltown home.
Being able to work with my community, share their stories, and create a visual archive that honours their experiences has been an incredible privilege. I am proud to have been able to make this work, and I look forward to seeing how these images will continue to inspire, educate, and celebrate the essence of Chapeltown's legacy."
Natasha Logan, from the Leeds Caribbean and African Centre, said of the project: "The Leeds Caribbean and African Centre (LCAC), is immensely proud of our recent collaboration with Historic England, Lens Lab Project, and local photographer Solomon Charles-Kelly, a talented artist from Chapeltown. Together, we have beautifully captured the vibrant spirit, rich heritage, and dynamic culture of our community.
This project, launched 40 years after the first archived photographs were taken at the Centre, represents a significant milestone in LCAC's history. The photographs not only highlight the changes in the Centre over time but also reveal the enduring traditions that continue to shape our culture and identity. A perfect example is the presence of a traditional Caribbean game of dominoes, featured in both sets of photographs, reflecting how certain elements of our heritage remain steadfast.
This collaboration has solidified our place in the cultural landscape, ensuring that our legacy is preserved for future generations. The images created will serve as a lasting tribute to our community’s identity and evolution, capturing the essence of who we are for years to come. Some of these photos will be permanently displayed in our lounge, inviting everyone to celebrate and enjoy this visual history.
‘Chapeltown Photographic Residency’ commission by Historic England and Lens Lab Project, working with Leeds Caribbean and African Centre.
This is part of the Volume: HEC01/134/02/04 'Selassie Portraits' - Chapeltown Photographic Residency; within the Sub Series: HEC01/134/02 Leeds African and Caribbean Centre - Chapeltown Photographic Residency; within the Series: HEC01/134 Leeds West Indian Centre; within the Collection: HEC01 Historic England
© Solomon Charles-Kelly
Photographer: Charles-Kelly, Solomon
Childhood, People Posed, African And Caribbean Heritage
Our website works best with the latest version of the browsers below, unfortunately your browser is not supported. Using an old browser means that some parts of our website might not work correctly.
