Lawrence Hill Roundabout is a junction on the A4320 in the Easton area of Bristol. It was built in the early 1970s as part of a planned urban road scheme later abandoned.
Connecting Communities, a study compiled in 2014 by architectural consultants Nudge Group and commisioned by University of Western England and Quartet Community Foundation, found significant local social issues and suggested solutions. Nudge Group founder, architect, tutor and researcher Shankari Edgar, also a local resident, confirmed that those problems still exist in January 2026.
I came across the roundabout in January 2025, whilst making my way to the M32 skateboard park. The significant graffiti and found objects there led me to return 2 more times in 2025 to photograph the street art and cultural debris. Whilst there I engaged in conversation with many people passing through the Underpass.
In the first study block of 2026 of my online BA Hons Photography Degree at Falmouth University, I am exploring whether it maybe feasible to undertake a visual study exploring the relationship between the diverse local community and the graffiti and found objects at the underpass.
I am currently unclear how that might happen. Issues around consent, ethnicity and potential vulnerability seem compelling. Associating with a local community group might provide agency for people willing to become involved in the study.
Anonymity or partial anonymity, or representation by objects such as clothing, food, jewellery or possessions might also be desirable.
There is also a plethora of photographic content in the world; if this study is to proceed a major consideration is to how to make it worthy.
Graffiti Voices
The graffiti isn’t just background; it dialogues with the subjects, reflecting diverse stories and heritage.
Cultural Layers
This study explores how public art and personal identity intertwine within Bristol’s urban landscape.
The photographer….
I am currently undertaking an online BA Hons Photography degree with Falmouth University. Before this I photographed a wide range of subjects including street art principally in Bristol and Morocco. This study arose from my interest in how identities interact with urban spaces. My website shows photographic images from the last 12 years.
Geoff Billett