New Brighton Revisited

Ken Grant (Photographer), Tom Wood (Photographer), Martin Parr (Photographer), Tracy Marshall (Other)

Research output: Non-textual formExhibition

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Abstract

New Brighton, a small former coastal resort near Liverpool, has held a significant presence in the development of recent British documentary Photography. The publication of Martin Parr’s ‘The Last Resort’ in 1986 signalled a sea change in the role of the PhotoBook in Britain. Photographer Tom Wood worked and lived there for several decades, as did the researcher leading this project, Ken Grant. The attention brought to the region brought with it a range of challenges around representation, immersion and the role of photography within working class communities. In 2017, Ken Grant, in partnership with the cultural organization Northern Narratives and Wirral Council proposed a research project that would return photographs made by each photographer to a location within the community itself, to initiate dialogue and evaluate the value of the work to those it considers. As an exhibition and series of associated events, the initiative established itself as a key element of the Wirral’s Year of Culture (2018). The role of the arts in the region had been compromised by the need to turn funding elsewhere and there was no infrastructure dedicated to showing photography and other art forms. Taking as its starting point a vacant commercial space, over several months a bespoke ‘gallery’ was made, one that drew upon the proximity of both the local resort and the sea-facing location. The proposal was to make a space that would hold the work with reverence and avoid the limited status that can sometimes prevail in community practices. More philosophically, it was an intention to meet the audience and engage discussion from a position of parallel respect and integrity. The research received financial support from the Arts Council through its intention to widen participation and build new audiences whilst impacting on the cultural wellbeing of the area.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationNew Brighton
PublisherNorthern Narratives
SizeArtists book and Exhibition of 150 Photographs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 14 Jul 2018

Keywords

  • photography
  • documentary
  • New Brighton
  • working class culture
  • seaside
  • holiday resort

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  • Any Answers

    Grant, K., 12 Jul 2018, British Journal of Photography, p. 14-15 2 p.

    Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationFeatured article

    Open Access
    File
  • Counter Culture

    Grant, K., 12 Oct 2018

    Research output: Non-textual formExhibition

    File
  • The Photographers Gallery: Instagram Takeover

    Grant, K., 13 Jul 2018, London / Online : The Photographers' Gallery.

    Research output: Other contribution

    Open Access
    File

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