The photographs below are from the Henry/Bragg B.I.N.G.O exhibition at the C&C gallery, where we can see both visitors to the exhibition, and the original images before they were framed. The images are a small selection of the many taken at some of the UK’s bingo halls as part of the artist duo’s exploration of bingo as a ‘cultural signifier’. Little details such as the lucky mascots tell us a bit about the importance of the game to its players, and also tell us a bit about the players themselves.
The artist duo took photographs in large bingo chain halls, but also in independents, which perhaps shows us more of traditional bingo. Of particular note is the photograph of the meat prizes at Coalville’s Flutters Bingo. This really is a ‘blast from the past’, something that back in the day would have been a common sight, but is now a rarity. And we never tire of what is probably the most photographed bingo hall in the UK, and maybe the world, the Tooting Gala, which has to the most splendid venue anyone could ever wish to dab their cards at.
We hope you enjoy the photographs, we certainly did, and if you have any photographs that you would like published on our website please let us know.
Artists Henry/Bragg and their art.
The exhibition in full swing at the CC Gallery.
Video Installation.
Main body of photographic work on display.
East Ham bingo hall in London.
A ‘home from home’ at Bridlington Gala Bingo.
The familiar colours of a Gala club.
A tidier player at Gala Bridlington.
Close up of ‘lucky mascots’ from Bridlington gala Bingo, an interesting mix of east meets west.
If the games over you can find other ways to have a punt at Wisbech Winner’s Bingo.
A booth awaits its players.
The grandeur of an old cinema remains at Ilkeston’s independent Ritz Bingo.
Bingo essentials.
Lovely colour scheme at Ritz Bingo, and nice simple, but effective design.
Wow, this bingo player takes their game seriously!
LED prize board.
Call board at independent Coalville Flutters Bingo club.
A rare sight, traditional bingo ‘meat’ prizes.
We’re not exactly sure what this is at the Coalville club, prizes, or impromptu crèche facilities?
The splendour that is Tooting Gala Bingo.
