IT was a time like no other, when York’s normally bustling streets were eerily quiet and we were told to ‘stay at home’.

But for one York photographer, the Covid pandemic lockdowns, inspired her in a new creative project,

York photographer Nikki Bowling has produced a new book that records the city in a unique collection of black and white images taken during the pandemic.

Simply titled York in Lockdown, the new publication includes stunning images of empty streets showing many of the iconic attractions and streetscapes in the city like never before.

Low Petergate during York’s lockdown period – photo by Nikki Bowling

Coffee table landscape in style, it is atmospheric, with many historical notes along with Nikki’s personal recollections of the period when everyone was told to stay at home.

Nikki said: “It started as something to do when nothing else was possible when I took my camera on my daily permitted exercise walks around the city.

Read next:

“I love York and love photography so decided to share the images with the world through this book as it shows, uniquely, the deserted city streets as the complete opposite of the usual hustle and bustle.”

The book will launch at Bedern Hall on Wednesday, June3, 2026.

Members of the public will be invited from 5pm when Nikki will be signing copies of the book and discussing what inspired her to create the images.

Nikki with her new book recording York in lockdown

Nikki said: “The book is dedicated to my late grandmother Marion Purdy who died age 102 in 2023, and who had a wicked sense of humour, positivity, kindness and a hopeful and philosophical outlook on life.

“I was lucky to be able to spend so much time with her during lockdown.” adds Nikki.

Copies of the book will be on sale at the launch and orders for individual images will also be available.

Newgate Market

Nikki began her photography career after studying photography and design at Harrogate College for four years.

She set up her business straight from college in 2001 and has, in the intervening 25 years, provided photographic services for weddings, social occasions, commercial photography for a variety of businesses and organisations including various press and magazine publications, local estate agents and holiday lets, capturing properties for sale or rent.

Nikki lives in York with her daughter Mia.