Photo Oxford has kicked off its fifth edition with a bang - literally - in the basement room of London's Jolly Farmers pub. A 74-year-old photographer named Phil Polglaze is showing his work that will make you laugh, cry, and question everything you thought you knew about public toilets.
Polglaze's photographs are not your average snapshots of bogs. From 1979 to 1996, he worked with a criminal defence barrister to create pictures that could be used in court to prove the innocence of men who were on trial for gross indecency after cottaging. His camera was a tool for justice, but his lens also captured a sense of danger and vulnerability.
As I stepped into the basement room, I was hit with the pungent smell of old toilets and sticky floors. But it was not just the stench that drew me in - it was the power of Polglaze's photographs. They told a story of a community that was forced to keep its true nature hidden, but still found ways to reach out to each other.
The show is part of Photo Oxford's theme of exploring the relationship between reality and truth in photography. It's a timely reminder that photography can be both a window into the world and a reflection of our own biases and prejudices.
From the experimental approach of Timon Benson, whose soft-spoken portraits seem to hold secrets, to the rage-fueled works of Lydia Goldblatt and Heather Agyepong, Photo Oxford is a celebration of DIY art that is raw, real, and refreshingly uncommercial. The festival's shows are not just about photography - they're about people, places, and experiences that need to be shared.
As I left the Jolly Farmers pub, I couldn't help but think that this was what Roland Barthes meant when he wrote that "in order to see a photograph well, it is best to look away." For in the stinking public toilets of Polglaze's photographs, we find not just a snapshot of the past, but a window into our own present - and maybe even our future.
Polglaze's photographs are not your average snapshots of bogs. From 1979 to 1996, he worked with a criminal defence barrister to create pictures that could be used in court to prove the innocence of men who were on trial for gross indecency after cottaging. His camera was a tool for justice, but his lens also captured a sense of danger and vulnerability.
As I stepped into the basement room, I was hit with the pungent smell of old toilets and sticky floors. But it was not just the stench that drew me in - it was the power of Polglaze's photographs. They told a story of a community that was forced to keep its true nature hidden, but still found ways to reach out to each other.
The show is part of Photo Oxford's theme of exploring the relationship between reality and truth in photography. It's a timely reminder that photography can be both a window into the world and a reflection of our own biases and prejudices.
From the experimental approach of Timon Benson, whose soft-spoken portraits seem to hold secrets, to the rage-fueled works of Lydia Goldblatt and Heather Agyepong, Photo Oxford is a celebration of DIY art that is raw, real, and refreshingly uncommercial. The festival's shows are not just about photography - they're about people, places, and experiences that need to be shared.
As I left the Jolly Farmers pub, I couldn't help but think that this was what Roland Barthes meant when he wrote that "in order to see a photograph well, it is best to look away." For in the stinking public toilets of Polglaze's photographs, we find not just a snapshot of the past, but a window into our own present - and maybe even our future.
I mean, can you believe how raw and honest Phil Polglaze's work is? It's like he's shining a light on these dark corners of society that we try to ignore. 
The way his photos make us feel all the feels - from laughter to tears - is just incredible. And what I love about Photo Oxford is that it's not just about the art, but about telling stories that need to be told. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we might not agree on everything, but let's at least try to understand each other." 
i thought that was just a funny joke from an 80s sitcom lolol what's gross indecency tho? is it like public toilet sex or something 
anyway thats so cool phil polglaze sounds like a legend photographer dude i love how his pics are not just of toilets but also of the people who use them its all about community and stuff 
this polglaze guy is like a superhero or something. I mean, who takes pics of toilets to prove ppl are innocent? that's wild 
. his lens was more than just a tool for justice, it was also capturing the struggles & emotions of those communities. and now we get to see those stories through his photos 
. btw, i love how photo oxford is all about exploring reality & truth in photography, it's like they're saying "let's get real" 
And let's be real, public toilets are not just bathrooms - they're a window into our society's values and norms. So, yeah, I'm loving this exhibit 
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Still, the fact that these pics are being showcased as part of a theme exploring reality and truth in photography is actually pretty cool. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we're not just capturing what we see with our eyes, we're also reflecting our own biases and stuff." Word.
... its a great example of how photography can both reflect our biases and prejudices, and also offer new perspectives on the world.
. Its a powerful reminder that art has the ability to challenge us, make us uncomfortable, and ultimately change our perspective 
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i mean, maybe that's the point... to force us to confront our own flaws & imperfections. anyway, just food for thought 
. and i love how the other photographers in the festival are pushing boundaries too - timon's portraits are so mysterious, lynn's works are like a punch in the gut 
! this is what photo oxford is all about, sharing real stories and experiences that need to be heard
! They're not just some random shots of toilets, they're a way to expose the truth about what's been hidden in plain sight. I mean, think about it, he worked with a lawyer to prove guys were innocent, but at the same time, he was capturing all this vulnerable stuff... it's like he's saying "hey, we've been lied to" 
. And that theme of reality vs truth is so relevant now, especially with all the fake news out there 
. I'm hyped for Photo Oxford, it's gonna be a wild ride 
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. I love how Photo Oxford is pushing boundaries with this show and highlighting the importance of representation in photography 
It's not just about art, it's about sharing experiences and telling stories that need to be heard 
to represent the power of photography in uncovering truth 
. the way he captured those secret moments between guys is so beautiful 
and it makes you realize that we're not alone in our struggles 
to represent solidarity and acceptance 
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the show is also showcasing other awesome artists like timon benson & lydia goldblatt... i'm obsessed!!