With religion, when I was growing up, maybe because I was living in a multicultural area and you had a source of exposure maybe you're forced to think about religion, coming from English people and generally not being very religious, but I noticed that religion was a very important part of people's identity when I was growing up and the Muslim community being very strong in their identity and other communities were very strong in their identity in comparison with those of us with no religion perhaps more so than the other side of being a migrant maybe that's where it all comes from that interest.
Brian Green, born 1988

Brian is following a very different life from other members of his family. With a BA in World Religions and an MA in International Development, his interests and work are focused on exotic artefacts, different languages, scripts and cultural practices. He currently lives in India but returns home to East Ham between jobs. He created these photos to illustrate aspects of East Ham, London and Asia that have influenced his beliefs.

These family photos show a continuity in the lives of a family that has lived in the same house over four generations. The youngest member of the family, Emily, has her hand entwined in her mum’s. A wedding photo of Debbie’s parents is alongside that of Michael’s parents, who also lived in the house. Parts of St. Mary’s Church within a stone’s throw of Long Street, have stood since the twelfth century. Together with St. Luke’s Church, where Michael and Debbie married and the Ascension Church, important in William’s life, these churches are still social hubs for their dwindling congregations at the weekend.

Debbie loves Disney characters and has many models and other Disney artefacts throughout her house. The family has often visited Disneyland in the US.

The love of football and support for West Ham has been passed from father to son:

Eve: Yeah. Was that something you think you got from your dad really or?

Christopher: Yeah, I mean I… probably embedded into me, but I suppose if anyone doesn’t really like football… my brother don’t like football but, you become… I don’t know it becomes a part of you as you grow up and you can get into it and if you don’t like it you drift away from it but I just enjoyed it. Once I was going over there, that was it, I was hooked then unfortunately… it’s not been very plain sailing but it’s not been the best of football but I suppose you don’t really choose your team, you’re just stuck with them cos you support them.

Yeah I was down there this morning (in the shed), pottering about…I love all that … especially being semi–retired as well… I get down there and start making stuff.
Michael Green, born 1959

Michael’s photos of some of the tools he uses regularly to make things for the house.