Photographic Documentation of Grassroots, Spontaneous and Temporary Memorials

Large-scale disasters, terrorist attacks and other mass violence events, as well as the death of public figures lead often to the formation of spontaneous, grassroots and temporary memorials. These often consist of flowers, candles, notes, flags, t-shirts, and other artefacts. Such memorials have become an expected expression of public grief and memorialisation in various parts of the world.

During the period of this temporary memorialisation, cultural/civic organisations, community groups and researchers are interested in or tasked to capturing and documenting visually the memorials.

The following provides quick and brief guidance on what to photograph. This is based on my own work documenting and researching the spontaneous memorials after the Manchester Arena attack (22 May 2017) and studying similar memorials elsewhere. It has, also, been informed by relevant literature and conversations with students at the Institute for Cultural Practices, University of Manchester over the years. The guidance has, also, been shaped by my collaboration with staff in cultural organisations in Manchester (especially Manchester Art Gallery and Archives+) and beyond.