Go Furness

Snap Happy

I started taking photographs whilst at high school, then went on to study photography at art college in Northwich, Cheshire. From there, I began a three-year Lancaster University photography degree at Blackpool and the Fylde College. One of the highlights was a second year internship, working for the world-famous, maverick, fashion photographer, Craig McDean, in New York.

On graduation, I moved to London to work for one of my heroes of photography, Brian Griffin. Amongst many projects, I assisted Brian on a landmark body of work, photographing the redevelopment of St Pancras Station as the base for Eurostar. The mammoth project featured approximately 165 subjects and is part of a 208-page book, ‘TEAMWORK’. The book was launched at an on-site exhibition to coincide with the completion of the station, then featured at the most prestigious photography festival in the world, Les Rencontres d’Arles 2009. My small part in the project was the proudest moment of my life.

Now a freelance photographer, I am currently working on a body of work about the town at the end of the longest cul-de-sac in the UK, Barrow-in-Furness.

I photograph Barrow every day; I’m in love with Barrow!

My fascination for the town originated not from myself but from my father who ended his teaching career at Barrow Sixth Form College. He spoke about Barrow as the ideal subject – its historical and industrial history, its highly skilled workforce plying their skills across a number of industries, its landscape encompassing the Furness peninsula and up to the Lakeland fells.

Ultimately, my intention is to publish my first book, showcasing this fantastic town of ours. If anyone has any ideas of what and who I can photograph, please contact me and we can discuss the idea.

Posted by Phil Powell on 12th January.