Social documentary photographer and writer, Cath Muldowney, was born and has lived in the Bradford district for most of her life. She went to school locally and worked in local government for many years before leaving to work as an antiques and collectibles dealer, specialising in unusual and bizarre items.
A few years ago she changed career direction toward photography, at first photographing landscape and nature scenes. However, from around 2020 onward her work has predominantly centred around documenting the urban landscape and lives of the people of Bradford.
She has written of her work:
I was born and bred in Bradford, where the people are warm and friendly, resilient and funny. We have fantastic arts and culture, amazing architecture and stunning landscapes. As one of my photography heroes, Don McCullin, said: “I wish I’d been born in Bradford, and had its beautiful dialect and its warm relaxed attitude… Bradford’s full of energy and enthusiasm – an exciting, giant, visual city.”
‘Social Distancing’.
In 2022 Cath worked in partnership with The Trapezium Gallery on ‘The Streets Ahead’ project, commissioned by Bradford Metropolitan District Council to create temporary artworks. These took the form of tableau featuring photographic portraits of local people shown in the windows of vacant shop units in the Wibsey, Queensbury and Great Horton districts of Bradford.
One of Cath Muldowney’s photographs in the ‘Streets Ahead’ project.
In 2022 her work was exhibited at the Bradford Industrial Museum, during May to October, in her ‘Angel Pavement’ photographs celebrating the diversity of ‘life up north’. Another solo show, ‘Paradise St. Under One Sky’, was presented by The Trapezium Gallery, in August 2022.
One of Cath Muldowney’s photographs in ‘the Angel Pavement’ exhibition at the Bradford Industrial Museum, 2022.
Cath is also the author and photographic illustrator of the book: 111 Places in Bradford That You Shouldn’t Miss (2022), published by Emons. This describes and illustrates a range of interesting places to visit locally, including local natural beauty spots, architectural gems, pubs and restaurants, retail outlets, and other places that showcase the history and culture of the city and district.
In 2023 she had two images of Bradford chosen by Historic England for inclusion in their ‘Picturing High Streets’ UK archive. and was inducted into the Centre for British Documentary Photography, with an article in their Humanity Magazine. She was the only female UK photographer to be shortlisted in the Sony World Photography Open Competition, Street Photography category, with this image of an Elvis tribute artist.
Elvis tribute artist, 2023.
In 2024 Cath had a retrospective solo exhibition at The Apothecary Gallery in Thornton, followed by a five month showing of her ‘Dreams, and Songs to Sing’ exhibition at Cartwright Hall Gallery, celebrating Gypsy and Traveller culture in the Bradford District.
Artist’s Website: Cath Muldowney Photography