Hello again, and sorry for the delay in posting this great email from Jason Hingley aka JAM JARS...

Please can everyone follow Mr Jars example and get working on "Top Tramps" © 2007


Todd you crazy sonbitch, this is a noble and just cause. On the other hand it is depraved and wrongheaded, but nonetheless I kind of like it!

May I be so bold as to propose a revision to your means of capturing tramps' images? Dont be coy, just be brazen! Take a photo, and if they ask what you're doing just deny it. Or say you work for the Cornishman. Or act like a tourist.

Art present I have no images of tramps (or access to them), but I will endeavor to search for old photos that may include some gems. In the meantime can I commend the following street folk/oddballs as worthy subjects for your project:

Barclay, Wooden Top, Shirley (RIP), Ashley Fry (RIP), Captain Keasty (plays an accordion and sells daffies whilst sitting on a crate outside of the Co-op), Lindsay Holloway.

PS I think you also need a Top Trump category system to classify their 'tramp credentials' May I suggest:

Shambolicness

Drunkeness

Smell

Capacity for Violence

Capacity to scare small children

Self Fighting tendencies

Anecdote quota (how many great stories can people tell about them)

Attire

Special weapon (eg for Barclay this would be his neck strung money pouch)


Good luck Todd, and until next time take care.