Peter Cripps Photography

This is the second of a two part post on Lichfields historic cattle market which was located at what was known as the Smithfield area of Lichfield, now occupied by a giant Tesco superstore. See part I here for a bit more info on the history of this market.

Looking back on these images, taken in 1979, I am struck just how many there are of people just standing talking. It’s clear these markets were as much of a social event as they were a livestock buying and selling event.

I took two roles of 36 exposure Ilford HP5 film whilst I was at the market, probably over a period of 3 – 4 hours. I’m quite impressed at my hit rate for that day, 26 out of 72 is not bad and definitely better than I would achieve today when, with a digital camera I would probably take at least three times that amount of images, probably more. I guess using film and knowing there is a cost associated with each role of film we used to take more care and try and make as many shots as possible count!