Belfast 1988

We've seen photos of Belfast youth recently, from German photographer Toby Binder. Where Binder was keen to present the stereotypical grim picture – using black and white to reinforce his message of urban alienation and gloom while, not coincidentally, winning awards – photographer Dave Sinclair visited the city in April and May 1988 with the Troubles still ongoing, and though the walls are covered in graffiti and the place looks like a war zone, life goes on – and the kids are alright:

“A fundamental difference between the time I took these photos and today is the general attitude towards photographing children. Back then there was little, or no paranoia compared to now. Kids on the street would run up to me asking if I was from the Echo. I’d say no, but they’d insist I’d have to take a group shot, and I did so they’d leave me alone. Some of these shots are now my favourite photos and I take little credit for them because the kids’ insistence is what made me take the pictures. These turned out to be some of my favourite photos from that time.”