Tom’s bid to get people to look at their city in a new light

A PHOTOGRAPHER is on a mission to get people looking at Coventry in a whole new light.

In Tom Unsworth’s photos, rainy street scenes and scaffolding-clad tower blocks are transformed from dreary views to works of art.

His work has caught the attention of the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, where his photos are set to be exhibited later this year.

And as Coventry approaches City of Culture status in 2021, Mr Unsworth’s work is focusing more and more on the changes the city is going through.

The former teacher from Foleshill, who still works as a supply teacher, said he hopes his photos will encourage people to look at Coventry “in a more positive light”.

“There are more opportunities now to go out and see the city looking great - for instance with the Cathedral being lit up,” Mr Unsworth said.

“It looks very pretty and it makes for interesting photos.”

Mr Unsworth moved to Coventry aged 19 to study art at what was then Coventry Polytechnic.

He had been a keen photographer for about three years before that, although art was his primary interest.

In 1996 he started teaching and full-time work, along with becoming a parent, meant photography and art took a back seat.

Eight years ago, he began taking photography more seriously, focusing on landscapes.

Brandon Wood was a site of interest locally.

“My attitude towards the city hasn’t always been particularly positive,” he said. “There’s a lot of poverty, a lot of issues.”

So what changed?

“About four of five years ago I quit full time teaching and went into supply work,” Mr Unsworth said.

“I just chilled out a bit. I got fed up with the decay and less attractive aspects of the city, I got fed up with looking at them and started going out with a different mind-set.”

Different colours and interesting angles mean Coventry is photographed in a more positive light.

But that doesn’t mean Mr Unsworth doesn’t still have concerns about the city.

“It is noticeable how much money is going into the city centre, which doesn’t make its way outside of the ring road.

“That’s not a criticism - the money can only go so far and any investment and culture has to be a positive thing.”

Mr Unsworth’s work will be going on display at the

Herbert Gallery in the archives section later in the year, at a date to be confirmed.