Until it was closed down by French authorities several weeks ago, the Calais Jungle was home to over 8,000 men, women and children trying to cross the Channel in an attempt to reach the UK and a better life. Prior to its closure, British photographer Harley Weir – who is one of fashion photography’s most celebrated emerging talents – travelled to the camp to capture the temporary homes that had been erected.
Weir has brought these photos together in a book titled Homes, which has been printed in an edition of 500 by publisher-slash-design studio Loose Joints, with all proceeds going to La Cimade – a French charity committed to protecting the rights of migrants. Shot between 17th and 28th October, some of these pictures were actually taken during the clearing, and depict squalid conditions of the camp and the shelters cobbled together with wood, rope and tarpaulin.
While this isn’t Weir’s first social documentary project, she’s primarily known for her fashion photography and explorations of women’s bodies and sexuality. As well as contributing to Dazed (shooting Young Thug for the cover of our autumn 2015 issue), she’s lensed campaigns for Calvin Klein, Christopher Kane, Jacquemus, Missoni and Proenza Schouler.
Homes comes shortly after the announcement of Weir’s first solo exhibition which will open at Foam Photography Museum in Amsterdam next month. Titled Boundaries, the show will bring together a range of the photographer’s work and “read as a visual poem”.
Head here to find out more about the book.
@harleyweir
