MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING Begins 2 October at Media Space, Science Museum

A hard-hitting collection of photographs taken by Nick Hedges for Shelter between 1968 and 1972 are to be shown together for the first time in a new exhibition at the Science Museum.

Commissioned by housing charity Shelter to photograph people living in poor housing conditions, documentary photographer Nick Hedges spent three years travelling areas of deprivation around the UK to create this significant body of work reflecting the often distressing reality of the critical social issue of housing.

Co-curated by Dutch independent curator Hedy van Erp and the National Media Museum's Curator of Photographs Greg Hobson, this moving and inspiring set of black and white photographs of real-life situations exemplifies Hedges' unique position in the practice of documentary photography at the time, which was largely focused on recording conflict and international events.

Nick Hedges said: 'Although these photographs have become historical documents, they serve to remind us that secure and adequate housing is the basis of a civilised urban society. The failure of successive governments to provide for it is a sad mark of society's inaction. The photographs should allow us to celebrate progress, yet all they can do is haunt us with a sense of failure.'

Greg Hobson, Curator of Photographs at the National Media Museum, Bradford said: 'Hedges' work is a tremendously important addition to the history of documentary photography in Britain. By making visible the contemporary plight of people living in poverty, he is giving a voice to those that would otherwise remain unheard or be ignored.'

Media Space is a unique collaboration between the Science Museum and the National Media Museum. Bringing together photographers, artists, curators and the creative industries Media Space explores the art, science and technology of the still and moving image and showcases the Science Museum Group's world-class collections through a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions and events.

The Principal Founding Sponsor of Media Space is Virgin Media after whom the Studio is named. The Principal Founding Major Donors and drive behind Media Space are Michael and Jane Wilson and the Founder Donor is the Dana and Albert R Broccoli Foundation. Media Space has also received generous support in the form of donations or artworks for auction from a large number of individuals, companies and artists.

Full details of the exhibition can be found at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/makelifeworthliving.