Overview

John Gay was one of the most respected photographers of the mid-20th century but, unlike that of some of his contemporaries, his work is now largely overlooked. This important book, which includes 300 evocative photographs from the large collection of his work held by the National Monuments Record, marks the centenary of his birth in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1909 and coincides with two major exhibitions of his work being held in London. Gay’s work is wide ranging yet returns to a number of key themes – animals and children, informal shots of ordinary people, rural life, modern architecture and London, especially his beloved Highgate and Hampstead, and characteristically uses light and shade to great effect. The insignificant object held a strong fascination for him and his gift for being unobtrusive imbues many of his images with a unique poignancy.

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9781848020030

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'The essence of Britain leaps from the pages of this richly evocative portrait.' Daily Express 'One of the most treasured and profound photographers of his time, John Gay's legacy is a captivating chronicle of British life from 1936 to 1996.' Family History Monthly 'England Observed is a tribute to the skill with which Gay captured the landscape, architecture and people of his adopted country.' Country Life 'John Gay's pictures provide a fascinating chronicle of a life that has long since vanished ...' The Daily Telegraph '[John Gay's] affection for his fellow man, and woman, is evident in every image - from an elderly man paddling in the sea at Blackpool to Agatha Christie reading The Times.' The Lady 'This book shows just how powerful a simple black and white image can be and provides a fascinating chronicle of British Life.' Cornwall Today, May 2009 With stunning black and white images of England's people, places and architecture, this nostalgic pictorial tribute will appeal to anyone with an interest in modern British history or an appreciation of Gay's impressive body of work Heritage Magazine May 2009 England Observed - is a striking retrospective, from his often humourous photographs of children and animals, to his modernist architecture shots and silhouettes of wrought iron, offering us a chance to reappraise the work of this hitherto overlooked but significant contributor to the British photographic canon. Royal Photographic Society Journal March 2009

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