The latest book by Peterborough street photographer Chris Porsz has been selling worldwide and time’s running out to get your own copy and to get it signed.
The former paramedic has spent years capturing people and places in the city and has managed to reunite dozens of the characters he’s snapped over the years in his latest book Reunions 2.
The unique project has gained much media interest here and around the world and the limited edition is proving popular far beyond Peterborough. Chris is signing copies of his book at the Salvation Army Superstore in Long Causeway in the lead up to Christmas (see bottom of article for dates) but you will still be able to buy online.
We’ve long been impressed by Chris’ work and he’s created some great photo books ranging from his timely tribute to the NHS, Just be Kind, and his humorous look at man’s best friend with his book Barking! featuring the antics of our four legged favourites.
Chris’ latest book Reunions 2 has been a real labour of love and follows his successful first edition when he began tracking down people from his original images taken decades ago, and recreating the scene photographing them in the same settings.
Following the success of his first Reunions book in 2016 it was always in the back of Chris’ mind to do another and the time was finally right.
“I thought at 68 it was now or never and would make a good project between lockdowns."
From the spring of 2020 onwards Chris set about the mammoth task of tracking down the people he’d photographed all those years ago making constant appeals through social media and his regular Peterborough Telegraph newspaper column.
“To my great surprise I immediately started receiving hundreds of messages and lots of midnight oil was burnt just trying to keep up with it all.
"There were lots of setbacks but the successes kept me going as I had an unshakeable belief in my project because it was unique in the photography world.
“It was immensely satisfying when I found characters I never dreamed of finding and ones I could not find for the first book. It was great to get a second chance to try again.
“When characters were reluctant and camera shy I would not just easily give up as my rare images were so important to me and, with lots of cajoling and persuasion from myself, or their families and friends, they often reconsidered and were glad they did.
"However, many of my characters needed little encouragement, such as Khalid who had moved to Glasgow but happily made a round trip of 700 miles back to Peterborough as he had promised me, and also wanted to see his old friends again.”
It seems the concept of Reunions and this little time capsule of life has a universal appeal with book sales around the world.
“It is as if the location of Peterborough is incidental and it’s more about the concept,” says Chris.
“The images are very striking visually side by side 30- 40 years apart and show how time effects us all and perhaps reminds us of how short life is and to make the most of it and the importance of maintaining family and friendship.
"People are also struck by the physical changes and how some have changed out of all recognition and others you can tell instantly. They were all interviewed by my writer and their stories tell us what became of them in their lives.
“Sadly, some of my characters died young and, after seeing precious images of their loved ones in happier times, their family members generously agreed to stand in for what would be a permanent tribute in my book.”
For anyone who’s spent time in Peterborough over the years Chris’ images really bring a sense of nostalgia for once familiar faces and places in the city. We’ve loved all of his books but the Reunions editions are unique.
If you know someone with a link to the city this would certainly make a great Christmas present and certainly more interesting than smellies or socks!
“I like to think my book puts Peterborough on the map in a very positive and uplifting way as a diverse and vibrant place with people getting on to make it the great city it is today,” says Chris.
“I was surprised by the overwhelming response that Reunions, and now the sequel, is receiving. There was an amazing community spirit and help from the public who were willing me to succeed.
“It’s a heart warming, positive and uplifting feel good story we all need in these troubled times - where families and friends have been divided, but there is hope on the horizon that we will, like the characters in Reunions, be reunited and stay together again.”
You can get Chris to sign a copy for you at The Peterborough Salvation Army Superstore in Long Causeway on Friday December 17, Saturday December 18 and the following week on Thursday December 23 and Christmas Eve from 10am - 3.30pm.
Alternatively you can order a copy online from www.chrisporsz.com for £20 or a Box Set of Reunions 1 and 2 for £38 and Chris will be making a donation from sales to Breast Cancer Research.