ONCE they were a place to simply to do your business and go.
These days your average club toilet is a place for gossip, facial refurbishment, even something more naughty such as, erm, having a sneaky ciggie as well as taking the chatting up to the next level.
As the lens lady behind many images from Sheffield's nocturnal antics, from clubbing to high octane rock gigs, Jacqui Bellamy of Pixelwitch Pictures has witnessed much un-toilet-like behaviour and has dared to even snap what goes on in the ladies.
The results form the unlikely subject for her first solo exhibition, Latrino Gals, which opens later this month.
She describes it as "not for the faint hearted" – she is resident photographer of nationally renowned club night Razor Stiletto, one of the north's most alternative cabaret club nights.
The flamboyant and anything goes night – back tomorrow at Sheffield club venue DQ after a break – tenders some of the more eyebrow-raising images for the exhibition to be held at The Forum bar, Division Street.
"I've been taking photos at Razor Stiletto and Lost Vagueness and inevitably I'd end up in the ladies (toilets) snapping the women queuing, chatting, putting on make-up etc," explains Jacqui, who has also photographed for Warp Films and the BBC.
"So it seemed natural to move into the toilet cubicle, using it as a frame for the women's vibrant personalities and dress.
"I only had one women say no and then she changed her mind."
Initially showcasing eight specially-chosen large prints, there will also be a limited edition book for sale during the exhibition featuring 40 of the images compiled over at least 18 months. A slide show of 60 images will also feature.
"Someone in the hairdressers the other day asked me 'Do people really go out dressed like that?'," adds Jacqui. "So I guess to some people it seems unusual, but I chose places where people really do get dressed up for their night out.
"All that said, I never thought I would end up taking pictures of people in toilets if I am honest. It has raised a few eyebrows."
There is a preview, open to the public, on Wednesday, August 13, as part of the Wednesday Night Live initiative. It runs until September 28.
The doors open at 6pm, but for those who aren't shrinking violets, Jacqui will be holding an 'open shoot' in the toilets of the venue from 4pm. Email latrinogals@gmail.com for more on that.
The exhibition will then move on to the Fleapit on Columbia Road, London, for an October run.
Find out more on Jacqui at www.pixelwitchpictures.co.uk
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