Last days of Preston's former indoor market caught on camera

The graphic designer spent nearly a year chronicling the life and times of Preston’s recently closed market hall.

He also turned his camera lens on the market hall car park which is, like the old hall, scheduled for demolition.

Joseph said: “I’m Preston born and bred. When I found out the indoor market was being demolished, it had quite a few memories for me so I decided to document it.”

The 43-year-old former pupil of St John Fisher school and UCLan graduate took a mixture of colour and black and white photographs as well as video footage and also captured architectural details of the building and car park on camera.

He now hopes to hold an exhibition of his work.

He said: “I caught the photography bug when I was around nine years old. I went on a school trip to London, and my mum and dad let me borrow their camera. I really enjoyed taking pictures of all the famous landmarks. It is still a vivid memory for me.”

He believes the old market has a special place in the city’s life, noting: “I think it was as much a social club as a shopping place – it was like a meeting place.

“I decided to document the market because it has been an integral part of Preston for over 40 years. I also have fond memories of visiting there as a child, especially my Saturday morning pilgrimage to House of Records with my older brother Peter. He has now sadly passed away. Hopefully my photos can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Joseph thanked stall-holders and office staff who helped him complete his project. He said: “I’ve had the privilege to meet some great characters and make some new friends. I’d like to say a massive thanks.”

Joseph can be contacted via Facebook at Joseph Gudgeon Photography; on Instagram at Joseph Gudgeon Photography, and on Twitter at @JoeGudgeonPhoto.