These photos taken by Oxford’s homeless photographers show a hidden city

Homeless photographers have captured their side of Oxford in a photo exhibition that shows off the city from their unique perspectives.

The Homeless Oxfordshire project recently gave residents from their hostels or community properties disposable cameras to take snaps around the city.

And they came back with shots that ranged from the “hilarious” to the serious, while also showing themes like a focus on the word ‘home’, as well as rough sleeping spots.

The images have been turned into an exhibition called Below the Spires, which is currently running at The Jam Factory in the city.

Charlotte Matthews, Homeless Oxfordshire communications officer, has insisted that the project has been crucial in improving engagement between support staff and some of the charity’s residents.

“The photos are very clever and creative,” she told The Big Issue. “We find that projects like this allow our residents to take a break from worrying about being homeless.

“Homelessness can be something that people are desensitised to but the photos show work from human beings who are creative, funny and clever.

“It was interesting to see how they saw the city because everyone thinks of Oxford as a university city but there is a real homelessness crisis here.”

An anonymous resident, who took part in the project, said: “I photographed different scenes and real-life situations that represent the sad but real life issue we have as a community here in Oxford city.

“Behind Oxford’s historical town, and day to day life, is a dark, depressing problem of men and women who live on the streets. My photos show just a small but real image of “The wonderful Oxford”.“

It’s your last chance to take a look at the photos up closes as the exhibition closes on Monday February 25. You can view some of the images in the gallery above.

Images: Homeless Oxfordshire