It's council housing - but not as most (non-council dwelling) people imagine it
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
Croydon Council is building its first new council housing for 22 years. 34 new homes were completed in the first phase of development. A further 128 are due for completion this year. The new homes are being built on underused council sites and will have solar panels for hot water and wind turbines to generate power.
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
Built in 1900 by the newly formed London County Council, the Boundary Estate is one of the oldest council estates in the country. It was built on the site of the notorious Old Nichol slum and provided new housing for 5,500 people, along with schools, workshops, churches and a laundry. Residents of the estate voted to stay as council tenants in a ballot in 2006.
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
Photograph: Phil Maxwell
Letchworth in Hertfordshire was the first Garden City. Built in the early 20th century by community organiser Ebenezer Howard. It is not council owned - but is owned communally and the land is held in trust. It predates most UK council housing and was pioneering in its design and layout.
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
The Cranbrook Estate was built as part of the massive expansion of council house provision after the second world war. The photo shows the cottages for older people set around a garden, with a pond, a fountain and a statue; The Blind Beggar, by artist Elisabeth Frink.
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
The man leaning on the fence with the yellow T-shirt is Alan Walter, the former Chair of Defend Council Housing, who died in March 2009. The Positively Public Housing exhibition is dedicated to Alan’s memory and his tireless work for the present and future of council housing.
Photograph: Glyn Robbins
