Blackpool, 1968 by Tony Ray-Jones © National Media Museum

Parr is a British photographer synonymous with the oddities found around the British Isles, and this exhibition follows the thread between  Ray-Jones’ practice and the lasting impression it made on Parr as a student in Manchester. Ray-Jones was a great talent but sadly died at the devastatingly young age of 30. Despite this, there is still a wealth of work that has been preserved, much of which comes from his travels around England in the late 1960s. His critical eye captured a society on the brink of change, leaving behind it’s ‘old-fashioned’ ways. As a documenting tool, Ray-Jones’ camera was keen and perceptive but his artistry and understanding of the moment was unlike anything seen before. The collision of incidents, styles and actions in the images are what make them so peculiar, humorous and unmistakably English.

Beachy Head boat trip, 1967 by Tony Ray-Jones © National Media Museum

Parr has selected 50 works by  Ray-Jones to go on show and they will be accompanied by Parr’s very early black and white shots ‘The Non-Conformists’, executed around Hebden Bridge shortly after Ray-Jones’ death. It’s a different aesthetic from the trademark Parr of highly saturated colour, but these melancholic shots are testament to the visual legacy of Tony Ray-Jones. Not to be missed. (Words: Laura Thornley)

For more info:http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/plan_your_visit/exhibitions/only_in_england.aspx

The post Something you should see… Only in England: Photographs by Tony Ray-Jones and Martin Parr appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Jean Christophe Godet started the Guernsey Photography festival only a year ago, and it was such a success that they are back at it again. This year the festival theme is Identity and all the immediate photographer heavyweights that spring to mind are going to be there; Martin Parr, Richard Billingham, Samuel Fosso (pictured), and Tony Ray-Jones are amongst the many taking part. In total, there will be around 20 exhibitions and over 30 recreational and educational events. Also, the exhibitions won’t be confined to just a white space but will be found in various locations around the town. They’re all free and open to everyone which only adds to the countryside, community feel that you could only get outside the capital. Could this be proof that London doesn’t hold the monopoly on cultural events in the UK? I guess we’ll have to go to find out! (Words: Laura Thornley)

Visit www.guernseyphotographyfestival.com for more info.

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