Buzz
Time holds the power to change many things, yet there are also constants.
In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, street photographer Chris Porsz spent countless hours wandering the city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (UK), capturing portraits of hundreds of strangers. Back then, Porsz worked as a healthcare worker and pursued photography as a hobby. After purchasing his first camera, he enjoyed strolling through the streets of his hometown to document everyday faces and moments.
After 40 years, Porsz conceived a unique and challenging idea: to reunite with the individuals from his old photographs and recreate their images. This ambitious project proved to be a resounding success, with Porsz orchestrating 135 reunions he describes as 'beautiful.' Not only did Porsz reconnect with subjects from 30 to 40 years ago, but his intriguing concept also facilitated many old friends and relatives reuniting after years of separation. Participants were invited back to the original locations, dressed and posed as they were in the vintage photographs. It was like stepping onto a time machine and revisiting youth.
His photographic works have been compiled and printed in a book titled 'Reunion.' Below are some of the most remarkable images:
Dog and Tina (1985 and 2015)
Punk couple Tina Tarr and her ex-husband Dog were photographed by Porsz near the Cathedral in Peterborough when they were just 18. They left the city in the 1990s. They had twins but are no longer together. 'I remember the photo being taken, it was a vibrant time. I wore lots of punk-style clothes for a few years,' Tina said. Dog added, 'I used to be quite handsome, I had hair back then.'
The Railway Kiss (1980 and 2009)
The vintage photo captured a romantic moment as Tony Wilmot and his girlfriend Sally said goodbye at Peterborough train station in 1980. They married a year later. At the time, they were unaware of being photographed. The couple are now both headteachers living in Lichfield, Staffordshire, and have two children in their twenties.
The Running Boys (1987 and 2016)
Andy, one of the five characters in the photo, shared: 'In our year group, we only had about 70 pupils, so everyone was really close. People had a happy teenage time.' The five boys in the photo still keep in touch after decades and meet at class reunions.
The Pink-Haired Native American Guy (1985 and 2016)
The left photo was taken when Punk Badger Farcue won the Pizza Eating Contest at the City Church Square when he was 20 years old. Three decades later, that pink-haired lad has five children, moved to Somerset in 1991, but still maintains his rebellious spirit and edgy fashion sense.
Sisterhood (1980 and 2013)
Shehnaz Begum, the elder twin Rukhsana, and Itrat (from left to right) were captured by a photographer lounging by the window of their Cromwell residence. The trio still resides in Peterborough, frequently sharing cherished moments together.
The Best of Friends (1980 and 2015)
The four men in the picture remain steadfast companions, delighting in striking a pose for a reunion photo. Every detail, including the sign, was meticulously arranged by them, sans assistance from Chris Porsz.
Metal Mickey (1980 and 2016)
Steve Osborn is known as Metal Mickey since the 1980s when he broke both his legs in a traffic accident. Even after 26 years, Steve still relies on crutches to get around. He's a guitarist in an amateur band, performing to raise money for the National Association for Disabled Cyclists.
The Circle of Friends (1982 and 2011)
Captured at the city's central Church Square, this photo features five childhood pals: Penny, Sarah, Louise, Carole, and Juliette. In this reunion snapshot, Alison (far right) stood in for her late sister Juliette, who passed away long ago.
David Harvey and Tim Goodman (1980 and 2010)
Thirty years later, David Harvey, the former security guard, retired after rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police. Meanwhile, young Tim Goodman found success as a thriving entrepreneur. Once mere strangers chatting on the street, they unexpectedly crossed paths again.
Ice Cream (1981 and 2015)
Donna Yarnell was 5 years old when she was photographed with her 3-year-old brother Steven. The two children were enjoying ice cream in their front yard. The Yarnell family moved out of their home two years later, so when they were invited back in 2015, they were deeply moved. 'I was truly surprised that the front gate still looked just like it used to,' Donna said.
Tasbir's First Job (1982 and 2016)
Tasbir Singh worked at a market stall for 4 years after high school. Now, living in the big city with 3 children and 4 grandchildren, he revisited the stall, saying, 'I worked at this stall from age 18 to 22. I worked diligently in all weathers.'
The Flute Player (1986 and 2015)
For years, beggar Neil wandered around Peterborough town center, playing the flute outside the Co-op bank at Westgate. When the book was published, Neil hadn't been seen for several months.
Ice Cream Vendor (1980 and 2014)
Genesio (Gino) Borrillo purchased an ice cream truck when he moved to Peterborough from Italy, touring the city in the summer to sell ice cream. In 1992, Gino opened an Italian noodle restaurant, which he still runs with his daughter.
Good for Teeth and Bones (1983 and 2014)
On the left is a picture of Layla Gordon enjoying her daily milk bottle at Queens Drive Nursery. She's now a homemaker, with two children, still living in Peterborough. 'I still love milk, but sadly it's no longer free,' she joked.
Source: Bored Panda, CBC
