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Archive: STORIES { 48 galleries }

Stories are the cornerstone of my photography practice. Here are a selection from the many hundreds of commissions and assignments carried out over the last three decades

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  • 1996 Dunblane Massacre
    1996 Dunblane Massacre
    15 images
    Photographs taken shortly after the shootings at Dunblane primary school, Dunblane, Scotland on 13th March, 1993. Thomas Hamilton shot 16 children and one teacher dead and injured 15 others, before killing himself. It remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history.
  • 1996 Melness Crofters
    1996 Melness Crofters
    11 images
    In 1996, a group of crofters took over the ownership and management of 11,000 acres of land where they lived and worked in north west Sutherland.
  • 1996 Peat Cutting, Western isles
    1996 Peat Cutting, Western isles
    50 images
    Two views of peat cutting in the Western Isles in the 1990s. On both occasions, I chanced upon men engaging in the traditional annual ritual of cutting and stacking peat for fuels for their homes. These images, from North Uist and Lewis depict a scene that had barely changed for centuries. The early-summer gathering on the vast bogs, the patience, skill and camaraderie and the sense of achievement when the work was finally done.
  • 1996 Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw
    1996 Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw
    34 images
    In 1996, I was commissioned by the Independent to spend time at Sancta Maria Abbey, a Cistercian monastery at Nunraw in East Lothian. The result was a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the monks at a time of profound change. The Abbey, since 1946 home to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, had around 15 monks in 1996, who undertook a mixture of daily tasks and strict religious observance. The present purpose-built building dates from 1969 when the monks moved from the nearby Nunraw house.
  • 1996 Scotland's Lighthouses
    1996 Scotland's Lighthouses
    15 images
    By 1996 the automation was almost completre of Scotland's last remaining manned lighthouses.
  • 1998 Jute Spinners, Dundee
    1998 Jute Spinners, Dundee
    38 images
    Work taking place at Tay Spinners mill in Dundee, Scotland shortly before it closed. This factory was the last jute spinning mill in Europe when it closed for the final time in 1998. The city of Dundee had been famous throughout history for the three 'Js' - jute, jam and journalism.
  • 2001 Foot & Mouth Crisis
    2001 Foot & Mouth Crisis
    75 images
    Images from the foot-and-mouth crisis which engulfed farmers and rural communities in southern Scotland and Cumbria in 2001.
  • 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee
    2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee
    75 images
    Celebrations in London to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth in 2002.
  • 2004 Dolly the Cloned Sheep
    2004 Dolly the Cloned Sheep
    32 images
    Reportage from the day Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep was introduced to the media at Roslin Institute in Midlothian, and the last photos ever taken of her five years later in 2002.
  • 2005 Fox Hunting
    2005 Fox Hunting
    71 images
    In 2005 the hunting of animals using dogs was banned by the British Government. I spent time with the Wynnstay hunt in Cheshire during the last days of hunting.
  • 2006 My Amber
    2006 My Amber
    47 images
    A trip aboard the fishing boat My Amber, as they lifted their creels full of prawns and lobsters off the west coast of Scotland.
  • 2007 Buddhism in Scotland
    2007 Buddhism in Scotland
    58 images
    A profile of Buddhism in Britain, with visits to the Samye Ling monastery in Dumfries and Galloway and Holy Island off the west coast of Scotland.
  • 2007 Sharp Solar Panels Factory
    2007 Sharp Solar Panels Factory
    17 images
    The Sharp electronic factory at Llay, Wrexham, north Wales, which announced today the start of production of solar module production (solar panels) at the Japanese-owned factory. Photograph shows a solar panel in the foreground.
  • 2008 Eco Tech Biofuels
    2008 Eco Tech Biofuels
    10 images
    Profile of EcoTech, a company based in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, seated at 100-litre capacity separating system which produces biodiesel at his company's plant. The firm takes used commercial vegetable oil and separates it into glycerol and biodiesel, the latter of which can be used in domestic and commercial vehicles. EcoTech was established three years ago and now produces around 7000 litres per week.
  • 2008 Moray Steiner School
    2008 Moray Steiner School
    252 images
    The Moray Rudolf Steiner School, Forres, Scotland.
  • 2008 Nineladies Ecowarriors
    2008 Nineladies Ecowarriors
    24 images
    Campaigners and residents of the Nine Ladies protest camp at Stanton Lees, near Matlock in Derbyshire, pictured at the camp in the Derbyshire Dales. The ancient woodland and Nine Ladies stone circle were threatened by a proposed quarry near the site. Following a nine year campaign by protesters the quarry proposal has now been rejected, and the camp will soon be dismantled and vacated.
  • 2008 Partridge Breeding
    2008 Partridge Breeding
    63 images
    Hy-Fly Hatcheries, a company based in Preesall, near Blackpool, Lancashire which specialises in breeding partridge and pheasant to be sold to sporting estates, pictured checking partridges housed in raised cage laying units. The partridges are kept in small cages for up to three years while they mature before being sold. Pheasants are also kept in cages but are transferred to outdoor pens as they mature. The company, which is owned by Ray Holden, produces around three million day-old chicks per year.
  • 2008 Swaziland's Children
    2008 Swaziland's Children
    68 images
    A look at the life of children in Swaziland, one of Africa's poorest and most unequal societies, which in 2008 had the highest incidence of HIV and AIDS in the world.
  • 2008 Swaziland's Unhappy Birthday
    2008 Swaziland's Unhappy Birthday
    21 images
    Images taken in the small African state in the run up to the 40th anniversary of Swaziland's independence from Britain. Ten years later, the country's name was changed to eSwatini - the land of the Swasis.
  • 2008 Yorkshire Huskies
    2008 Yorkshire Huskies
    46 images
    Debbie Pullen who runs a husky trekking near her farm at Staintondale, north Yorkshire. In September 2006, Debbie and her husband Michael set up Pesky Husky Trekking, which allows visitors to their farm the experience of being pulled on a scooter by Siberian huskies either on a purpose-built training track or a nearby disused railway line. By diversifying their farming business they were aiming to make their farm more financially viable.
  • 2009 Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    2009 Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    32 images
    Refugees and asylum-seekers in Bolton, north west England.
  • 2009 TNT Express
    2009 TNT Express
    49 images
    Feature on the company which was trialling an alternative mail delivery service in the North West of England.
  • 2010 Derby Street Pastors
    2010 Derby Street Pastors
    25 images
    Members of the the Derby Street Pastor team who talk to local people on their nights out in Derby city centre. Street Pastor was pioneered in London in January 2003 and Derby Street Pastors is a partnership of 25 local churches, Derbyshire Police, local council and various groups concerned with city centre street business and safety. Each Street Pastor team member works a minimum of one night a month, usually from 10pm to around 4am.
  • 2011 Aintree Grand National Meeting
    2011 Aintree Grand National Meeting
    16 images
    The 2011 John Smith's Grand National, Aintree racecourse, Liverpool.
  • 2011 European Kite Buggy Championships
    2011 European Kite Buggy Championships
    43 images
    Competitors taking part in one of the races at the European Kite Buggy Championships at Hoylake, Wirral, north west England. Around 75 buggies, with both male and female pilots, from 10 countries took part in the annual event which lasted from 5-9 September 2011. The three-wheeled, single-seated, steel frame buggy was powered by a traction, or power kite and could achieve speeds of up to 70mph/110km/h.
  • 2011 Royal Wedding, London
    2011 Royal Wedding, London
    21 images
    The wedding of Catherine Middleton and Prince William took place at Westminster Abbey. Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of central London to wish the couple well before and after the ceremony.
  • 2012 Last Oatcake Shop in Stoke
    2012 Last Oatcake Shop in Stoke
    17 images
    A feature on the Hole in the Wall Oatcakes, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the last traditional oatcake shop in the city. The business, which was established 115 years ago finally closed on 25th March 2012. The family-run company closed due to the regeneration of the area which will see the business premises, owned by Glenn and Sue Fowler, being demolished.
  • 2012 Racing and Show Pigeons, Blackpool
    2012 Racing and Show Pigeons,...
    23 images
    The Royal Pigeon Racing Association Show of the Year at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. The two-day show takes place each year in Blackpool and attracts 4000 entries from pigeon fanciers from all over the world. The two-day event attracted 25,000 competitors and spectators in 2012.
  • 2012 Sandbach St. Andrew's Day
    2012 Sandbach St. Andrew's Day
    18 images
    A St. Andrew's dinner dance held by the Sandbach and District Caledonian Society at Sandbach Town Hall, Cheshire, England on St. Andrew's Day. Around 40 people from the Society attended the meal and dance which included a programme of Scottish country dancing. St. Andrew was the patron saint of Scotland and the day was celebrated by Scots worldwide on the 30th November.
  • 2013 Bedroom Tax Case Study
    2013 Bedroom Tax Case Study
    18 images
    Margaret Lewis, pictured at her home in Kirkby, Liverpool. Mrs Lewis faces the prospect of having to pay additional money for rent with the introduction of the so-called Bedroom Tax, which comes into effect in April 2013. She lost her son Carl, then 18, at the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in 1989 and may have to move to a smaller property than the one in which she brought up her son. The street which she lives was renamed in Carl's honour around 15 years ago.
  • 2013 Bus Driver of the Year
    2013 Bus Driver of the Year
    15 images
    The Independent newspaper sent me to Blackpool to cover the 2013 Bus Driver of the Year competition. The event attracted over one hundred entrants from across the UK, with each participant asked to take a theory test and perform various tasks and manoeuvres along a specially-designed course on Blackpool's sea front. The winner was 42-year-old Gordon Cutting from Oxford.
  • 2013 Finn's Journey
    2013 Finn's Journey
    22 images
    The story of the first two months in the life of Finn Jones, born with a condition which meant he had to undergo life-saving major heart surgery aged just 11 days old. This is his journey - accompanied by his parents - from three-days-old through the intensive care unit at the Evelina London Childrens' Hospital and the operating theatre to going home for the first time 10 weeks later. (These photographs contain images from Finn's 'heart switch' operation, which you may find disturbing.)
  • 2013 Funeral of Margaret Thatcher
    2013 Funeral of Margaret Thatcher
    25 images
    The funeral of former British prime minister Lady Margaret Thatcher in London.
  • 2013 Scottish Independence Rally
    2013 Scottish Independence Rally
    58 images
    On September 21, 2013, around 30,000 people participated in march and rally in support of Scotland's Independence through the streets of Edinburgh. The event, staged to mark the fact that it was to be one year until the people of Scotland would vote in a referendum to determine whether the country would become an independent nation again. The march processed through Edinburgh's historic Old Town and was followed by a rally on nearby Calton Hill, which included speeches and music.
  • 2014 Rural Vending Machine
    2014 Rural Vending Machine
    10 images
    The giant vending machine designed and installed by local businessman Peter Fox in the tiny Derbyshire village of Clifton. The fully automated 'SpeedyShop' can be either card or coin-operated and stocks everyday grocery and household items. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and is the first location for provisions in the village since the closure of the village shop almost 20 years ago.
  • 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum
    2014 Scottish Independence Referendum
    512 images
    On 18th September 2014, Scotland voted whether to become an independent nation in a referendum. In the run up to the vote, I travelled around the country making images about what I saw and experienced. The photography was made as part of commissions for a number of newspaper and magazine clients, but it also was my personal record of the period immediately leading up to the vote. In trying to capture both the main political players - and the people - I endeavoured to give a sense of a country on the cusp of an historic decision.
  • 2015 Faslane Demonstration
    2015 Faslane Demonstration
    14 images
    People staging a lie-down in front of a line of police officers at the North Gate of Her Majesty's Naval Base, Clyde, Faslane, Scotland, during a blockade by around 150 people protesting against the Trident nuclear missile system. The protestors managed to shut down the base, preventing workers, contractors and naval personnel from accessing the site. A decision was due to be made by the UK government in 2016 whether to replace the Trident submarine system.
  • 2015 UK General Election
    2015 UK General Election
    40 images
    The 2015 UK General Election in the constituency of Wirral West, held by Conservative Government minister Esther McVey, who went on to lose the seat to Labour's Margaret Greenwood.
  • 2016 Fracking in Lancashire
    2016 Fracking in Lancashire
    19 images
    The proposed entrance to a site at Roseacre Wood, near the village of Wharles, Lancashire where fracking firm Cuadrilla has been given permission to undertake construction and testing for shale gas extraction. On 6th October, 2016 UK Government's Communities secretary, Sajid Javid, accepted an appeal from Cuadrilla against an earlier decision to turn down their plans to frack on sites on the Fylde coast.
  • 2016 Slate Islands Seaweed
    2016 Slate Islands Seaweed
    32 images
    Duncan Smallman foraging for seaweed on the rocky shore of Easdale island in Argyll. Dr Smallman runs Slate Islands Seaweed, which offers people guided foraging tours of Easdale and neighbouring islands to identify and gather the many types of edible seaweed found in the local environment. Marine biologist Dr Smallman started the tours in 2016 and also supplies edible seaweed for a number of restaurants and catering outlets.
  • 2017 Elton Twins
    2017 Elton Twins
    23 images
    The former home at Orchard Park, Elton, near Chester of the Burgess twins who died earlier this year. Muriel and Bernard Burgess were found on New years day at the bottom of cliffs in Dover. After much investigation, its not clear if their death was down to suicide or an accident.
  • 2018 Falconry in Wirral
    2018 Falconry in Wirral
    47 images
    The Cheshire Hawking Club during a meet at Brimstage, Wirral.
  • 2019 Salmon Farming in Scotland
    2019 Salmon Farming in Scotland
    52 images
    Campaining against salmon farming on Scotland's west coast.
  • 2020 Alwood Donkeys
    2020 Alwood Donkeys
    41 images
    Tom Tuohy runs a donkey farm in Wirral. It’s no ordinary business, however. Tom, whose father founded the business in Ireland, hires out his 20 donkeys to a vast array of customers and clients which sees his animals starring at weddings and fairs, on television and in the theatre, as well as providing entertainment for children of all ages at locations across the north of England. Since the restrictions put in place by the Government to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Mr Tuoy has had to cancel all his bookings for the entire summer. He doubts whether his donkeys will be working again until much later in the year. In the meantime, he has had to lay off all his staff and now cares for his donkeys lone at the farm in Upton, Wirral, with the occasional help from a couple of volunteers. With bills still to be met, and no income being generated, Mr Tuohy has started a crowdfunder page to ensure he can care for his donkeys properly.
  • 2020 Liverpool Walton Prison
    2020 Liverpool Walton Prison
    23 images
    A visit to HMP Liverpool in Walton.
  • 2020 Social Stories
    2020 Social Stories
    194 images
    A selection of stories illustrating contemprary life in the United Kingdom, taken during assignments or on commission.
  • 2020 Vauxhall Car Plant Covid Plans
    2020 Vauxhall Car Plant Covid Plans
    58 images
    The Vauxhall car factory photographed during preparedness tests and redesign ahead of re-opening following the COVID-19 outbreak. Located in Ellesmere Port, Wirral, the factory opened in 1962 and currently employs around 1100 workers. It ceased production on 17 March 2020 and will only resume work upon the advice of the UK Government, which will involve stringent physical distancing measures being in place across the site.
  • 2021 Sopworth Strutter
    2021 Sopworth Strutter
    117 images
    Men working on a part of a Sopworth Strutter under construction by members of the Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland (APSS) at a workshop on the site of the Museum of Flight at East Fortune, Scotland. The project to build the World War I fighter began almost 15 years ago and has involved dozens of men constructing the biplane using original plans. Each part of the aircraft has been individually sourced or crafted to ensure authenticity and it is hoped that it will be completed and be airborne in 2016.