The Other Blackpool

Blackpool is often described as the archetypal British seaside resort, attracting millions of visitors every year to visit the beach, promenade, family amusements, seafront shops, and of course the famous Tower.

But beyond the promenade hides another, much less glamorous Blackpool, fuelled by years of economic and social deprivation, which has gone largely unnoticed. This project highlights the challenges facing this ‘other Blackpool’.

To capture this other Blackpool, a street photography-based approach was used, meaning candid photographs have been taken to isolate and capture moments which might otherwise go unnoticed, including occasional moments of humour characteristic of seaside towns. Images from this project were successfully submitted for Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society.

David Cross, founder of the Centre for British Documentary Photography says:

“The Other Blackpool takes us on a journey around the back streets, promenade and chip shops and it is genuinely enlightening… Sensationalism is out of the window, replaced with a real dose of the here and now.

Goodwin is in touch… he has increased the depth of the known narrative and presents a side to Blackpool that yes, is harsh and run down, slow and maybe in demise, but he also brings us wonder, surprise and a sense of caring about this town and its people.

This is concerned photography and you should take a look.”