While working on Bristol City Council’s Art in the Public Realm initiative, these images were captured spontaneously in the communities, schools, and public spaces visited for the project. The series celebrates the families, children, and residents who give Bristol its vitality, revealing moments of creativity, joy, and connection. The photographs offer a human perspective on the city’s vibrant public realm.

A group portrait of diverse, happy primary school children from Air Balloon Hill Primary School peeking from behind a red velvet stage curtain. They are all wearing teal school uniforms, smiling and excited, possibly for a school play or performance.
A spontaneous moment of joy: a young boy performing a mid-air backflip on an outdoor concrete court in a Bristol public space. Documentary photography for Bristol City Council's Art in the Public Realm initiative by Max McClure.
Young female singer performing live on an outdoor stage at a community event in Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, Bristol. She is wearing an off-the-shoulder top and jeans, holding a microphone. The foreground shows a sound mixing desk. Photography by
Authentic portrait of an elderly female resident sitting on a park bench with a walker, interacting with two men in an urban public space in Gainsborough Square, Bristol. A dog's head is visible in the foreground. Captures intergenerational community
A group portrait of seven diverse young people sitting together on a concrete bench in an urban public park or field in Bristol. The teenagers are posing casually, looking directly at the camera. Represents community and youth culture in the public r
Television presenter Kevin McCloud planting a tree with a child as part of a Bristol community project for the Art in the Public Realm initiative, symbolizing connection and local engagement. Documentary photography by Max McClure.
Close-up portrait of two very happy primary school children in blue uniform tops, laughing and hugging outdoors, with other students and school buildings blurred in the background. Captures the joy of primary education. Photographed by Max McClure /
Southville Primary School children playing happily outdoors on the grass beside a large chrome spherical sculpture. One boy uses a hula hoop while others are engaged in different forms of play, wearing red and grey school uniforms on a sunny day. Pho
Young boy with a prosthetic leg and grey pants climbing over a large stack of hay bales at an outdoor community event. He is wearing a long-sleeve top and is focused on the climb. Photographed by Max McClure / McClure Creative Productions.
Excited young children playing in and around hay bales at an outdoor community event in Bristol's public realm. A girl in a blue top and gloves is crouching down, while a boy in a dark coat reaches towards the hay. Captures fun and activity in Gainsb
Diverse group of happy school children playing with a hula hoop and dancing on a red playground surface outside Hannah More Primary School in Bristol. Two girls wearing hijabs are clapping and smiling in the background. Captures positive school life
Action shot of a young boy wearing a black outfit and bright green sneakers, mid-air, leaping over large hay bales at an outdoor community festival or youth sports event. Photographed by Max McClure / McClure Creative Productions.