I saw Savory waiting for a bus in Kilburn, London. All I could see was this amazing hair. I later learnt that this bus route was the only one familiar to Savory. In fact, to shop for food for the week was the only time Savory would venture out of the housing estate in which he lived. I asked to take photographs of him and was invited back to his flat which gave me the opportunity to allow me an insight into his lonely world.

Savory had moved from his homeland of Jamaica to seek the opportunities in London. It’s amazing how lonely one can be surrounded by a city full of people. After 30 years spent in his new found home he has found no family, no friends, and absolutely no one he relates to.

His home was immaculate. A coffee table as if on display was carefully laid out with an assortment of possessions. There were packets of aspirin all in a row, coins stacked separately in denomination order, cigarettes all in a neat pile. The table was full but everything had an exact place.

I spent the rest of the afternoon with Savory, taking photographs and chatting to him about the beautiful Caribbean in which I had also spent some time, and the family and friends we both missed so much.

Savory was almost unaware of the camera, continuing to talk to me as I repositioned the lights and shifted this and that. I much prefer shooting in this way, observing a persons mannerisms. I find it much more comfortable for myself and the subject than conducting a person to perform unnaturally. I get more of the pure person.

Savory enjoyed his day in my company. He had so much to say. I wanted to keep in contact with him, but life always seems to get busy. I guess that’s why Savory will always remain lonely.

As published in ‘Stu Magazine’.