Very sad to hear that Beth Chatto, nurserywoman, author and one of the most influential horticulturists of recent times, has died, aged 94. Her belief in natural planting, working with nature in local environments has been of great significance to modern gardening. I was lucky enough to photograph her a few times in her garden in Essex, and these portraits were taken in 2008. Each meeting started with a cup of tea, and her quiet nature and small stature always hid her great significance in the gardening world. From the series 43 Gardeners Hands, which was part of the International […]
Category Archives: from the archives
From 6 years ago this week – time flies! I was lucky enough to have two photos selected for exhibition in the Museum of Modern Art in Milan with another British photographer, Nicky De Gruchy, in a show called ‘Small Garden’. And even more lucky as it was from an introductory email found in the spam filter!
Elements – botanical studies from the archive Tulip with petals on black background, 11.3.10 Intermediate Chrysanthemum petals on black background, 15.3.10 Rose with petals on black background, 19.3.10 Tulip petals on black background, 9.3.10 Echinops ritro seed-head on black background, 4.3.10 Echinops ritro leaves on black background, 4.3.10
I worked on an allotment series in Richmond for Gardeners’ World magazine between 2008-10. The adjacent plot was looked after by a very quiet Irishman, Michael Hobbs, who I got to know during my frequent visits. I loved his plot, which was like a 1960’s back garden, complete with gnomes and ornamental frogs, and I frequently left with handfuls of spare fruit, veg or flowers. These unpublished portraits were taken in 2010 after my last visits for GW.
From the archive – two images from The Coast of Light series. From the archive – 17.4.11, El Penitentes, – Easter Day parade, Conil, Andalucia. Large ornate floats, with statues of the Virgin Mary, are carried through town on Easter Sunday. This float probably had upwards of 30 people underneath to support the weight. More clay covered folk in Conil, Andalucia, 14.8.11 – from The Coast of Light. In Conil there is an outcrop of rock with layers of blue green clay in which bathers cover themselves, believing it’s good for the skin.
Portfolio shot from a couple of years ago – Wedding flowers, styled by Clare Nolan and Susanne Hatwood for The Mail on Sunday’s You Magazine.
From the archive, some shots of Richmond Lock and Twickenham Bridge, taken in 1997.
CND rally, Trafalgar Square,1980. Scanning more early work from London. Originally from a folio I was putting together to approach news agencies.
Speakers’ Corner, 1980. I wonder if these guys are still waiting.
From the archive, landscapes from 1981 on the Ridgeway National Trail, Hertfordshire. Shot on colour negative film and scanned.