An excellent analysis of the different approach each photographer had to documenting the North East. I'm not sure that I can think of any other area which has attracted so many key photographers of a generation. Perhaps it was the influence of the Side Gallery?
Thank you and it could well have been Side / Amber and of course it was probably the only area in England in the late 20th Century that offered such rich material for photographers with the rapid decline in so many core industries leading to such social upheaval. Unlike anywhere else in the country the population of the northeast is still less than in the 1950s because of 'economic migrants' such as me (although I did come back 😉)
I didn’t know about the population decline and that may explain the draw. I’d have thought Lancashire, Yorkshire or the Midlands would have equally rich material. However, none seemed to attract such a concentration of photographers who lived or settled there and documented the changes of that era.
I think it was the speed and depth of the decline the majority of NE workforce were focused on two industries Mining and Ship Building (and you could add fishing). In the space of a generation from 1960 all pretty much ceased to exist. The other areas also saw decline but they had a more diverse manufacturing base so didn't suffer quite so much. And photographers probably enjoyed being with northeast people too. Even in decline we know how to enjoy ourselves!! 😉
Wonderful read Harry. “He doesn't impose a narrative; he listens to it, lives with it, and allows it to emerge on its own terms.” Love that and you pull out the community and dignity that these folks had in a tough transition time. I grew up in Carbondale NE Pennsylvania anthracite coal. Grandfather was a miner black lung got him. High school football on Friday night is huge still and I know your community of your football club is so important to you. Thanks for your writing.
Thanks Tim and yes, there are distinct parallels. This area is a hot bed for football. But I enjoy the NFL too, follow it on TV here and attend the London games too. My maternal grandfather was a coal miner from age 14 through to 65 (with time off to fight in the first World War) and his brother emigrated from the UK to Texas to mine coal (the pay and conditions were better). He was aptly called Sam! He and his wife sent food parcels to my grandfather during the severe rationing we had in the UK during the Second World War. Sadly the families lost touch but somewhere in the USA I guess I have relatives!
Giving you an 'encore' for this Harry! Truly well written and necessary words... I have the utmost respect for photographers who listen and watch a community, nature, people, rather than drop in on a parachute, snap a few shots for pure self or social exploit - Bravo!
An excellent analysis of the different approach each photographer had to documenting the North East. I'm not sure that I can think of any other area which has attracted so many key photographers of a generation. Perhaps it was the influence of the Side Gallery?
Thank you and it could well have been Side / Amber and of course it was probably the only area in England in the late 20th Century that offered such rich material for photographers with the rapid decline in so many core industries leading to such social upheaval. Unlike anywhere else in the country the population of the northeast is still less than in the 1950s because of 'economic migrants' such as me (although I did come back 😉)
I didn’t know about the population decline and that may explain the draw. I’d have thought Lancashire, Yorkshire or the Midlands would have equally rich material. However, none seemed to attract such a concentration of photographers who lived or settled there and documented the changes of that era.
I think it was the speed and depth of the decline the majority of NE workforce were focused on two industries Mining and Ship Building (and you could add fishing). In the space of a generation from 1960 all pretty much ceased to exist. The other areas also saw decline but they had a more diverse manufacturing base so didn't suffer quite so much. And photographers probably enjoyed being with northeast people too. Even in decline we know how to enjoy ourselves!! 😉
Wonderful read Harry. “He doesn't impose a narrative; he listens to it, lives with it, and allows it to emerge on its own terms.” Love that and you pull out the community and dignity that these folks had in a tough transition time. I grew up in Carbondale NE Pennsylvania anthracite coal. Grandfather was a miner black lung got him. High school football on Friday night is huge still and I know your community of your football club is so important to you. Thanks for your writing.
Thanks Tim and yes, there are distinct parallels. This area is a hot bed for football. But I enjoy the NFL too, follow it on TV here and attend the London games too. My maternal grandfather was a coal miner from age 14 through to 65 (with time off to fight in the first World War) and his brother emigrated from the UK to Texas to mine coal (the pay and conditions were better). He was aptly called Sam! He and his wife sent food parcels to my grandfather during the severe rationing we had in the UK during the Second World War. Sadly the families lost touch but somewhere in the USA I guess I have relatives!
Giving you an 'encore' for this Harry! Truly well written and necessary words... I have the utmost respect for photographers who listen and watch a community, nature, people, rather than drop in on a parachute, snap a few shots for pure self or social exploit - Bravo!
Thank you Susie, your kind comments are much appreciated 👍