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“You never know who has done what, and you never would ask. Violence is in every man and woman, given the right - or wrong - set of circumstances. You are acultely aware of how it could easily be you."
Since 1990, HMP Manchester has developed into a 'High Performing Prison' and a High Security Prison holding some of the most dangerous and disruptive prisoners in the country. It has been widely recognised for implementing ground-breaking changes in prisoner care and re-settlement programmes.
The prison today centres on providing a safe and decent environment for all prisoners - a regime a world away from that which caused the longest prisoner protest in British penal history.
Stephanie said: “All the staff, the inmates I worked with (for a later phase on the project) were open, friendly and willing to be photographed, and I did learn a lot there.
“I was surprised that I was not judgemental. You never know who has done what, and you never would ask. Violence is in every man and woman, given the right - or wrong - set of circumstances. You are acultely aware of how it could easily be you."
But, despite the facility housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the UK, she says: "I never felt under threat at any time. The relationship between the officers and the inmates is, on the face of it, good, with lots of banter.
"But security is tight. Every door is locked behind you. State-of-the-art locks, locks and more locks - which, of course, I was not allowed to photograph. Paradoxically, the prison has an open cell policy. Some inmates ask to be locked in their cells for a bit of privacy. Yet they must eat all their meals alone in their cells. There are no more communal dining areas."
Stephanie pauses and adds: "Despite all the reforms, anyone who thinks prisons have gone soft should take a look. This is not a place you would want to be."
Stephanie was born in Atlanta, USA, and educated in London and Hamburg. Her interest in photography began while working for ten years on the other side of the camera as a fashion model. After marrying, having two children, and settling in Liverpool, she began working as a portrait photographer in 1989.
She has received a number of photography awards, including a 'Women In Photography International Award' in 2004.
She has recently completed The Secret Life of Smithdown Road project which will be displayed along with many other of her portraits in the soon to be opened Museum of Liverpool.
The exhibition is by appointment only. The Baltic Creative Centre, 22 Jordan Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 0BW, UK. 0151 703 2005.
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Good piece, more along these lines please Mancon