Great Britain
An image, a history
This image was taken as a part of my photo essay Illegal Immigrants – which I worked for regarding to the EU enlargement in 2004.
In the run up of joining the European Union citizen from countries all over Europe were living in the UK illegal. Without a residence permit or a valid work permission they had no chance than to live in the illegality. Most of them were working in hotels, restaurants kitchen or in the construction industry and lived in remote parts of London.
Randomir entered Britian for the prize of 200 GBP on the back of a lorry. I accompanied him to his job in a jewish bakery. He and his friend layed the tiles and I was taken photos of them. At this time I worked with my Leica M6 and Kodak Tri-X. Suddenly, there was a little bird inside the bakery room and Randomir tried tro catch him with his bare hands. For me, it was an emotional moment. The bird with a untamed desire for freedom stands in a sharp contrast to this polish guy, who has arranged his life in hiding. But five months later, after Poland joined the EU – for Randomir it changed his status. He was not any longer an illegal immgrant, rather he was free like a bird.
“The Cleaner” by Martin Koddenberg
A wonderful short film about Agnieszka and Krzysztof with a couple of black and white pictures I have made in 2004. Krzysztof was one of the people, who let me participate on his life, for my story about illegal immigrants in London. Enjoy this film. Subtitles are available in english and german.
