A couple of summers ago I returned to Britain after a forced absence of four years, and the photographic output of that trip seemed to encapsulate what was going on in my own life, and even more so in regards the country.
Returning again last year, however, felt less significant. Not because things were any different politically, I’d just become more accustomed to them that’s all. Or perhaps more accurately, horribly resigned to them. The photographs I ended up taking, on the other hand, remained very similar, covering many of the same themes as the previous year.
And this summer was in many ways no different again. Admittedly that resignation has drifted much more towards despair, especially so in light of Britain’s new Prime Minister, but the photographs and subject matter remain more or less consistent. A continuation of the shock and disappointment, or much more simply, subjects and scenes I like to shoot? Two years ago I was sure it had a lot to do with the former, but now I’m far more convinced it’s nothing more than the latter.
Alex says
The one and only Mark E Smith! Thank you that made my day.
Lee says
Very glad to hear it. I really enjoyed seeing it as well!
DavidT says
Awesome photos! For my 2 cents these feel like your Japan shots so I guess I agree! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you!
Cheers. That’s good to hear. A certain look or feel is no bad thing at all.
cdilla says
Man, I’m glad I don’t live in such a grim place.
Oh, wait, I do. Bugger. Time to look for the lifeboats before Bojo sinks us without trace.
A great set of photographs. The moody weather over the sea and accompanying ruins is very atmospheric. And the guy rushing to his job as an extra on Peaky Blinders is just fantastic.
The mural of Mark is definitely the highlight though. Memories of the environs of the dingy Retford Porterhouse Club being rendered apart by the protracted high decibel wails of him bent double over the microphone. And later, after Brix had done the impossible and mellowed him a little, gigs in sheffield and, of course the Hacienda Club. Always a man worth listening to, right up until his death.
Lee says
I know eh? And since I’ve left, things have gotten even worse…
Cheers. Yeah, that cloud was something else, but thankfully it only rained out at sea.
He was indeed. Saw them a few times myself, so was keen to get a shot of this before it inevitably disappears. Easily done too as it’s not far at all from my parent’s place.
LAObserver says
Lee you are accurate to surmise politics and feeling ‘less significant . . . horribly resigned to them’. Many of us share the emotion completely. This photo essay with the once prosperous and now derelict buildings captures this well.
Things all over are starting to look more and more like the last few years before WW1. Scary.
Lee says
Thanks. Doesn’t make those feelings any easier to deal with, but definitely good to know they are ones shared by many. Similarly good to know the photos get those thoughts across too.
And yeah, sadly couldn’t agree more. Worrying to say the least where all this is heading…
john says
The ‘Lowry’ street art certainly made me chuckle; a few cherry blossoms on those branches and it wouldn’t look out of place in Tokyo??
It looks like those storm clouds are gathering over the summer balcony scene with the one guy who is pondering the news (or your good self?).
..and everyone is rocking in sync (albeit in opposite directions) in the rather European image at the end.
Lee says
Me too. I like that photo a lot. Nice to know you had the same reaction.
The people on the balcony were mostly watching some street performers, but as soon as I pointed the camera, I got some attention myself too!
Finishing on a distinctly European theme was definitely planned. The out of synch movements on the other hand weren’t, but instead are one of those lucky little extras that sometimes happen and ultimately make the photo.
Andrew says
Great photos. Depressingly, they are an accurate representation of modern Britain. I dread to think what people living outside of our country must think of us. The final photo made me think of France more than Britain though.
Lee says
Cheers. Good to know they are fairly representative too. I’m much more a tourist than citizen these days, so never quite sure how accurate my take on the county really is.
When drinking in a bar or meeting someone for the first time in Japan, I’m inevitably asked where I’m from. Saying Britain almost always used to garner a positive response. These days it’s not always the case. Sometimes the reaction is almost pity, and other times I get questioned about Brexit, as they simple don’t understand why it’s happening. A question I can t answer as neither do I…
YTSL says
Some of the photos are actually more colorful than I envision Britain to be…!
Lee says
Haha, it’s not all doom and gloom. Well, not just yet anyway…