University for the Creative Arts student snaps independent shops in Rochester High Street for photography project

Katie May Nelson, local democracy reporter

knelson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 07 March 2020

A student was inspired to hear the stories behind independent shops in her home town as part of a university project.

Beth Mitten snapped eight places in Rochester High Street, asking their owners to explain their feelings about running a business.

Ginger Lily manager Lesley Kimber. Picture: Beth Mitten.

The photo series was created as part of her photography course at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Fort Pitt, Rochester.

The 19-year-old, who is in her second year, created the images for a unit centred around storytelling.

Beth, of Pattens Lane, Chatham, said: "The last idea I did was about the decline in tourism in Leysdown and I was going to do there again but I thought I live here and it's local to me."

The former Thomas Aveling School pupil was inspired by photographer Ed Ruscha, who took a picture of every building on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

She said: "I decided to talk to the businesses rather than just have a shot of it.

Beth Mitten, a student at UCA in Rochester.

"I haven't done it before, I usually shoot portraiture. It's really boosted my confidence to talk to people.

"They talk like they are a little family and they all know each other.

"Everyone is really engaging, they gave me a good insight and I got a good range of shops."

Here's what they had to say...

Wild Heart Bridal Shop: “Stressful, tiring but incredibly rewarding. The wedding industry is a beautiful one to work in and we work with people during one of the most exciting times of their lives. Despite this, we must stay current and authentic and evolve with times to survive the current High Street crisis – which so far we have."

Sweet Expectations: "Stressful, encouraging, fulfilling, demanding, success, enjoyment, pleasure and pressure."

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Lynne Smitham from Sweet Expectations. Picture: Beth Mitten.

Sweet Expectations. Picture: Beth Mitten.

Demelza: “Creativity and fun!”

Ginger Lily: “We enjoy being surrounded by flowers!”

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Carters: “Interesting meeting and exchanging with different people. Also enjoy being being my own boss and being in control of a business."

Johnstones (Tool Shop): “I am proud to be a part owner of Johnstones and love being in Rochester. We are a close-knit community in the High Street and all get on very well."