Typography & design by
Richard Wolfströme

Exhibition and installation
by Standard 8

Website
Words William Shaw
Design Richard Wolfströme
Photography Kenny Laurenson

Publishing consultant Adrian Driscoll

An Unmadeup Production

...no one talked to you and the money just dissolved in your pocket

Sandwiched between Ann Summers and an empty storefront, sits Brook Street, the employment agency, 77-78 North Street

She sits on the ledge below the Clock Tower, shoppers milling around her, taking ten minutes to compose her thoughts before she goes for the interview.

This is the start of something, a fresh beginning. Kath moved to Brighton just one week ago. She’s been in London since October, but London eats you alive if you’re by yourself.

She hadn’t started out by herself. From Melbourne, Australia, Kath has been travelling through East Asia and India with her girlfriend Rebecca.

Rebecca is one of those leap-before-you-look people. Kath has always been more cautious. A well-behaved child, she’d always been concerned what other people would think. She didn’t even come out until she was 25. Her family had to practically drag it out of her.

In India the differences between them came to a head.

Splitting up hurt. It still does. Kath understands. Rebecca is younger, still in her 20s. She doesn’t want commitment. They’ve stayed friends. When Rebecca moved to Brighton, Kath followed down here too, staying in a £75-a-week dorm at one of the backpacker hostels. It’s hard to be so close to her, but good at the same time. They’re still soul mates – that’s how Kath puts it.

These days she’s trying to be more open though. To change. Brighton suits her. It’s relaxed. The Marlborough is a good place for a few beers. Or the bars in St James’ Street. She and Rebecca went to a comedy night at the weekend and these women just came up: “Hey, where you from?” That never happened in the queer bars in London where no one talked to you and the money just dissolved in your pocket.

This is a place where she’s going to make new friends. That’s what she needs. She’ll be here about six months maybe, earning a little money, getting back on her feet. A slow metamorphosis is starting.

It’s time to go now. She stands, and crosses the busy street, past the Ann Summers shop, to the Brook Street agency for her interview there. She’s an experienced care worker. There’s always care work available pretty much anywhere.