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Bonpo – Independent Photography - London 2007

A book and audio work by Helen Marshall, 2007.

Independent Photography commissioned a work to be made with several elderly housebound residents in the borough of Greenwich. Helen visited each client several times during the winter period. One of the participants revealed to her that he had been a monk in the 1940’s and had experienced ‘purgatory’ during this time through the means and ways of Bonpo. In addition he mentioned his relationship with Ronnie, one of the Kray brothers, notorious organised crime leaders in London’s East End during the 1950s and 60s. The final piece will be showcased in 2008. A limited edition 250 page verbatim transcript, book and audio publication will be printed and distributed.

Voices: Amelia Bell, Eleanor Squire, Violet Brown, Ann Hilton, Eleanor Smithers, Edith Worsley, David Jones.
Sound Design: Helen Marshall & If Six Was Nine
Transcription: Kim Stephens, Leah Bartczak, Selina Akram, Drue Zell & Aviva Leeman

’'A Bonpo is a believer in Bon, and for him Bon signifies truth, reality or the eternal, unchanging doctrine in which truth and reality are expressed. Anthropology as well as Himalayan traditions have affirmed that the Bonpo were masters of sound. Singing bowls were fabricated that when filled with water to a demarcated level and resonated, would spout a fountain of water arising in the centre of the bowl. These bowls are termed fountain bowls and are a rare subset of traditional singing bowls.’'

www.independentphotography.org.uk