A NEW exhibition celebrating the diversity and lives of people on a Bradford street opens tomorrow.

Cath Muldowney took her first picture of what would become the Paradise Street – Under One Sky exhibition close to two and a half years ago.

That first shot, taken pre-pandemic, inspired a series of images of the lives of people in one of Bradford’s "richest cultural areas".

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cath Muldowney- Photographer of the Paradise Street-Under One Sky ExhibitionCath Muldowney- Photographer of the Paradise Street-Under One Sky Exhibition

Cath said: “I’m born and bred in Bradford, and I’ve spent my life wandering around these streets.

“It was a lovely summer’s evening, and I was just walking and came across this street called Paradise Street and there was a group of young people standing on the street corner.

“I asked them if I could take their picture underneath the street sign and when I looked at it, I thought this is something worth sharing.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: An image from the exhibition, showcasing the diverse people of Bradford An image from the exhibition, showcasing the diverse people of Bradford

“It’s a lovely area, Paradise Street, situated at the top of town, between Westgate and Sunbridge Road.

“The people were lovely, they made me feel like I was part of their community, and I loved every minute of doing this.

“There’s a real sense of community spirit in the street and they have everything there.”

The photo series, printed in black and white captures people going about their daily lives.

Cath wanted to show an alternative perspective of Bradford and the people who make up the city.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Images of the people of Paradise Street Images of the people of Paradise Street

“We always see people on Instagram, and they look fantastic, but I wanted to show the people that you wouldn’t necessarily find on there," she said.

“The series is about showing people going about their everyday lives. Nobody offered themselves up to be pictured, it was all natural.

“Some were reluctant to be pictured, saying why would you want to take my picture, but you don’t see these people in galleries.

“This project fired my enthusiasm. Everybody’s got their own story to tell and it’s all part of the fabric that makes up Bradford.

“It’s the people I think that makes it what it is.

“The people have been really kind to me, and they’ve taken me into their community.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Putting the exhibition up at the Trapezium Gallery Putting the exhibition up at the Trapezium Gallery

“It’s been a fantastic project and I’ve really enjoyed It.

“This is their exhibition, it’s for them not for me and I’m really hoping that they like it.”

The exhibition will run from August 6 to August 27 at the Trapezium Gallery, on Kirkgate. A launch event will be held on August 6 between 12pm and 2pm.

Want to know what’s on in Bradford? Visit our local events page for listings and to add your own events for free.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720 403052 or call us on 01274 705292.