The lost pint - a photo portrait of Preston's now locked pubs

Preston based photographer Joseph Gudgeon fears he may have captured a lost world on his camera.
A time before social distancing (photo: Joseph Gudgeon)A time before social distancing (photo: Joseph Gudgeon)
A time before social distancing (photo: Joseph Gudgeon)

The photographer embarked on a project to photograph Preston’s remaining traditional pubs long before Coronavirus struck, ambitious to catch their character and document their role in the city's social life.

But now he is concerned that after the current lockdown some pubs may never re-open. He predicted: "The current situation where pubs have been forced to close due to the Coronavirus outbreak could unfortunately be the death knell for some.I think the local still has an important role to play in community life. I sincerely hope the pub trade can get through this. "

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Joseph of Farringdon Park, Ribbleton, previously documented the final days of Preston's indoor market. He hopes to mount an exhibition of his pub and club photos.

Good times at St Gregory's Club (photo: Joseph Gudgeon)Good times at St Gregory's Club (photo: Joseph Gudgeon)
Good times at St Gregory's Club (photo: Joseph Gudgeon)

He said: "When I was younger I used to catch the number 16 bus from Tudor Ave in Farringdon Park to town. This route travelled the length of New Hall Lane. I vividly remember being fascinated by some of the pub names such as The General Codrington and The Queen Adelaide. There used to be around 10 pubs along New Hall Lane, now only one remains, the Hesketh’s Arms."

He added: "Many pubs are now having to change to meet modern demands, whilst also trying to keep their loyal customers happy. It’s a fine balancing act, but from what I have seen many of Preston’s pubs are adapting well. It’s vital that this most British of institutions is given the resources to flourish, and in turn continue to serve the future generations of Preston."

* * All photos by Joseph Gudgeon. Joseph’s work can also be seen at @northerncreation(Instagram) and @JoeGudgeonPhotography (Facebook) and at @JoeGudgeonPhoto (Twitter)