My first photo for the new Mass Observation Project was inspired by a shot posted by Jon. His photo of a soulless modern shopping centre made me think about how my home city contrasts with that. Chichester has all the same high street shops as pretty much anywhere in this country but they are housed in a huge variety of buildings, from medieval structures, through Georgian houses and modern, purpose built designs. At the centre of the city stands the Cross, an octagonal stone structure which dates back to the late 15th century. It would originally have been the centre of trading in Chichester – a market cross. However, today it acts as a meeting place, as you can see here with all the children gathering after school has finished for the day. I framed this to include Chichester’s most recent new shop front which is itself grafted onto the outside of an older building. The two girls coming out clutching bags of goodies was an added bonus for the shopping theme!

Many thanks to Jon for suggesting and coordinating this Mass Observation Project. It is in response to the project of the same name which took place in the United Kingdom in the 1930s and 40s to record everyday life. On the first Monday of each month Photoblog members will post a photo on a particular theme depicting life in their own country. A list of all of this month’s MOP photos can be found here.

Shopping, love it! :) kunandi · 2010-10-04: 12:30

I like this photo For the contrast between the theme and the image These two girls seem anachronistic The wonderful building in the background and its reflection: we would not imagine there to go shopping ! Bravo Helen josy63 · 2010-10-04: 12:49

What a fascinating project this is, all those different views and takes on the same theme. Even in a single country - yours - there's a huge difference. It was a good idea to add some background to this project. I should have thought of that... revenant · 2010-10-04: 12:54

What a wonderful "shopping" experience this has been on MOP! You have made a great contribution to it both with your photo and your insight on this project! Thanks for sharing. ArtBee · 2010-10-04: 13:21

Ooh... I love the reflection of the building too. very nice. huiching · 2010-10-04: 13:31

Fascinating post Helen. yellodog · 2010-10-04: 13:45

great post Helen GKorts · 2010-10-04: 14:46

Great photo and thoughtful back story - great work! McMommy · 2010-10-04: 14:57

Lovely addition to the MOP! ????? · 2010-10-04: 15:12

Thank you, Helen, for adding the history of this project - it is now even more fascinating for me:) Great photo! Eiram · 2010-10-04: 15:15

This is a great project! ...and I love your photo!! jennye · 2010-10-04: 15:49

I'm completely rubbish at shopping :-) ????? · 2010-10-04: 16:52

This is a striking shot for the theme- Ilike the mix of old and new and thanks for the commentary. Lynda · 2010-10-04: 17:03

Lovely contrast as you say . MoMac · 2010-10-04: 18:10

The FUN part of shopping. These girls look like they're having fun, the buildings are beautiful. Old and new. Great addition to MOP paintbox · 2010-10-04: 18:25

Really enjoyed your photo and info! I love seeing everyone different views of shopping from around the world! HoosierAtHeART · 2010-10-04: 18:39

Very nice shot! It's always nice to NOT be in a large shopping mall! DancingDolphin · 2010-10-04: 19:41

Wonderful picture Helen. Chichester looks fabulous in contrast to the soulless places that I end up shopping in. Jarvo · 2010-10-04: 20:34

I love this capture! It is so elegant and has so much character. The reflection in the window is awesome. Very well done! SunflowerGirl · 2010-10-04: 22:40

Excellent lennonf · 2010-10-05: 02:34

Nice explanation! miclaud · 2010-10-05: 08:01

A fabulous shot of chichester - captured it well...happy memories cariad · 2010-10-05: 15:20

Beautiful karmankwarner · 2010-10-19: 21:31

Tagged: mop01 chichester shopping