Natalia and I managed to meet up last night after trying endlessly to find a convenient time that suited both of us. As we both work full time and Natalia has a young family we found it very difficult to arrange a meeting where we could talk through ideas so we just grabbed a moment and went for it.

In October last year we were arranging an exhibition together for the Rusholme and Fallowfield Civic Society to celebrate its 50 year anniversary. Membership and interest in the society is dwindling so we were hoping to raise an awareness of its (amazing ) achievements and also to gain interest for its future. We decided to interview the societies chairman - Peter Helm who was a massive influence on the societies achievements - he was instrumental in gaining 'conservation' status for Victoria Park in 1972 and has written and researched architectural and social history in the area , he co wrote a book 'Looking Back at Rusholme' and worked with local schools to raise awareness of the history in the area. We also felt this filmed conversation could sit within the archives alongside all Peters achievements. It was a rare opportunity which added not only authenticity to the archives but also an important visual documentation of its founding and history, it now sits within that archive and has added great value, clearly expressing true human spirit for the preservation and passion of the area in which he lived.  

He was  more than happy for us to interview and film him, at the age of 97 you would think this would be quite a task and strain but on the contrary - he was amazing and we were both stunned by the experience of listening to his stories which he told with a passion and ease alongside lots of humour! It was a memorable experience for us both even though we hadn't planned what or how we would structure the conversation, our main concern was finding a camera that worked !

We wanted to discuss this 'collaboration' for this 'collaboration' and I have attached the recording.

Natalia and I have only met recently through the society but we both agree that working together is quite simple, we 'jump in' and do what's needed and we just manage to make it work.I think  this uncontrived way of working is successful because there is an unspoken understanding between us - it just feels natural to work together - we make a good team!

We sat in the dining room of Natalias home overlooking the garden, in the room we had Natalias daughter - a very well behaved 7 year old (Elya) and my  (not so well behaved and demanding) 7 year old beagle (Ella) - (bizarre that their names and ages are virtually the same !!) So there is a lot of background noise that sometimes dominates the conversation and it s also very distracting...

But its a true representation of a 'grabbed moment' - kitchen table, domestic environment, children, animals - both of us not long finished work and on a cold and wet January evening. Would it have been any better if we had sat and planned it? Maybe in content but we both feel the 'essence' of collaboration is clearly there in the recording..we hope you agree..