Lockdown Begins
Time stood still between March and June as many Somerset residents stayed indoors to protect one another from COVID-19.
At the start of lockdown great pressure was placed on supermarkets when anxiety over access to resources led to stockpiling and shortages. This photograph shows customers waiting to enter the Tesco store in Shepton Mallet at 6.30 in the morning.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Parks and playgrounds across Somerset were closed to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Families had to find new ways of entertaining young children.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Essential businesses, including bakeries and takeaways, stayed open during lockdown. A special hatch in the door at Denela’s Bakery was used to reduce contact between staff and customers.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Local businesses, including farm shops and dairies, saw a surge in demand during the first weeks of lockdown as people tried to limit their visits to shops and supermarkets. This photograph shows Oliver Day, a dairy farmer, outside his milk vending machine in Chilcompton.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
On 20 March 2020 the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced the Job Retention Scheme. The scheme offered government grants to support salary costs.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Billy, who works for the NHS Primary Care Trust in Wells, is pictured after shaving Trog’s head to raise funds for the NHS.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Lockdown was a period of creativity for many Somerset people. This photograph shows Sara Trenchard next to her mural of King Arthur and his knights sleeping below Glastonbury Tor.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Camilla Frederick is a portrait and figurative artist. During lockdown she painted dog portraits for hospital and care home staff who were isolated from their four-legged friends.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Government briefings were a constant feature of lockdown life. On 10 May the Prime Minister addressed the nation in a televised speech. He announced a gradual easing of restrictions, including a return to work for some sectors of the economy, and the reopening of schools.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Leanna Dare is pictured with her partner Ryan Ferrari and sons Joseph, aged 5, and Immanuel, aged 1, alongside their scarecrow of the Gruffalo. A scarecrow trail around Evercreech was set up to raise funds for a local hospital.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid Stage stands empty on a peaceful Worthy Farm. This photograph was taken a day before what should have been the opening of the festival’s 50th anniversary season. 200,000 ticket holders, artists, staff and volunteers were due to attend.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
The Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society announced on 12 May that the 2020 Mid-Somerset Show would be cancelled for the first time since the Second World War. A successful virtual event took place in August, with class categories including ‘Flower & Floral Art’, ‘Handicraft’ and ‘Scarecrow’.
Hotspots
Zoom
Show info
Gallery