In September 2020, the escalating number of Covid-19 cases forced London into another period of lockdown. Amidst this unsettling reality, photographer Andy Hall ventured into the city’s financial district, capturing its haunting emptiness. Despite initial hopes that the virus would diminish by the end of summer, a resurgence of cases began in late August, leading to renewed restrictions across the UK. Once-bustling city centers were once again silenced, evoking an eerie stillness.
One significant contributor to the surge in cases was the government’s Eat Out to Help Out initiative, which encouraged dining in local establishments with subsidized meals throughout August 2020. This program saw a remarkable increase in visitor numbers, which surged by over 50% compared to August 2019. However, this influx of diners also facilitated the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, resulting in a spike in confirmed infections as universities reopened for the new academic year. By September 21, government scientific advisor Patrick Vallance cautioned that without immediate action, the UK could face 50,000 new cases daily.
In light of the troubling statistics, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions just a day later, aiming to curb the outbreak. Throughout the summer of 2020, Hall had been documenting the City of London, the core of the UK's financial industry, through his lens. Having previously engaged in street photography in the area, the Covid-19 pandemic brought a transformative experience to his work. Once filled with the hustle and bustle of office workers, the city now lay in an unsettling silence, offering a unique backdrop for his photography.
“I had gotten to know my way around the city quite well, and when lockdowns began, it was a perfect opportunity to depict the City of London in a completely new and surreal light,” Hall recalled. The stark contrast of the city’s architecture — a blend of historic facades and modern skyscrapers — created a visually dynamic environment for street photography, with light reflecting vividly off glass buildings.
Before the pandemic, Hall’s photographs often featured bustling city scenes, but the onset of Covid-19 offered a starkly different perspective. “Suddenly, I was walking through an eerie urban desert,” he described. In September 2020, as the UK braced for its second national lockdown, Hall visited Leadenhall Street, a location typically alive with office workers during lunch hours. This time, however, it was completely deserted.
As he stood at the north end of the square, Hall noticed a solitary figure approaching. He positioned his camera, carefully composing the shot, hoping the individual would walk into one of the captivating streams of light that cascaded down the street. “Sure enough, he did,” Hall said, expressing his excitement about the moment. The scene was enhanced by the dramatic backdrop of skyscrapers, including the iconic Gherkin, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks.
Upon reviewing the photograph, Hall discovered an unexpected element that underscored the chaotic nature of the period. “I hadn’t noticed until after I pressed the shutter, but there was a lorry on the left side of the frame with the word ‘Panic’ emblazoned on its side,” he revealed. This detail encapsulated the uncertainty and anxiety prevalent during the Covid era, capturing a moment that resonated deeply with the public.
This impactful image was featured in an article by The Guardian, highlighting the desolation of London during the pandemic. Later, Hall included it in his book, The Same for Everybody, which compiles his street photography throughout the Covid crisis, published by Snap Collective.
As lockdowns eventually eased and office workers gradually returned to the City, it became evident that the landscape of London had changed permanently. The rise of remote working revealed that many individuals no longer needed to commute daily. “I observed the city slowly returning to life, which was fascinating to witness, but it hasn’t quite been the same since,” Hall noted. The pandemic shifted perceptions of work, leading to a lasting impact on how people engage with the urban environment.
In reflecting on this period, Hall’s photography not only documents the physical changes in the City of London but also serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and adaptability of urban life amidst unprecedented challenges.
