Holy Joe’s
St. Joseph’s (or more fondly known as Holy Joe’s) is an Irish social club and church in Highgate, North London. It has been a haven for Irish immigrants for many years, with its peak in the sixties and seventies where show-bands and tea-dances became a regular feature. As well as being a social hub, the centre was a focal point for the diaspora who often didn't travel back home.
St. Joseph’s is situated on Highgate Hill, with its leafy surroundings and superb position overlooking London. The origin of the church dates to the eighteen hundreds, and the social centre was built several years later, funded by members of the local Irish community; some of which bought a brick at a time!
I documented this centre for over five years (2005-2010) to create a permanent memorial to Irish culture in Britain. This series of images provide an authentic glimpse into the one of the many declining social centres in the UK, while simultaneously portraying the dedication and passion its members embody as they try to keep their heritage alive. Holy Joe’s holds tightly onto the last generation of dedicated believers where traditions and customs have been preserved by the unique experience as an Irish immigrant.
