I was very saddened to hear that the wonderful and well renowned artist and printmaker Norman Ackroyd had passed away at the age of 86 on the 16th September 2024. His beautiful and atmospheric aquatint etchings are in art collections around the world.
I first discovered his works of art many years ago and had the good fortune to both meet him and listen to a talk he gave on printmaking at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester back in January 2019. It was a most inspiring evening as he spoke about not only his approach to his art, but also the many places he loves and had visited around the shores of Great Britain and Ireland. In particular he told the audience about the west coast of Scotland, including some of the most remote islands including St Kilda, the Treshnish Isles, and Muckle Flugga, which is often named as the most northern tip of the British Isles on Shetland in Scotland, to name but a few.
Some years before that evening I had purchased a very fine book of his work titled ‘A Line in the Water’. The book also included some evocative poems by Douglas Dunn OBE. On the inside of the dust jacket it reads and I quote –
‘In his almost obsessive exploration of the farthest reaches of the British Isles, Norman Ackroyd captures the meeting of land and sea in atmospheric aquatint. His work and Dunn’s complement each other in a memorable fusion of word and image that attests to the power of the place and reflects the extraordinary diversity of Britain’s littoral margins.’
On meeting him after the talk he very kindly agreed to sign this book for me. It was an evening I shall never forget and a book I will never part with.
I love Ackroyd’s work. His unequaled technique and the places he depicts are everything I could ask from a landscape artist. He has inspired me in my own photographic work and whilst I doubt I will ever visit the far flung places he has been to, I feel that through his art he has taken me there emotionally and for that I shall always be grateful.
There have been many fine obituaries in the press over the past couple of weeks, so I do not intend to repeat what you can read online but I have included some videos below which you may care to watch.
The first two are from the series – ‘What do artists do all day?’ which were first broadcast in 2013. The third video is a talk when in the space of several minutes he recites the names of the places he has etched and painted in over four decades. Inspirational.
And finally I have included one of my own photographs looking east down Loch Sunart in Scotland, captured when sailing on the ferry from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull to Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsular in October 2022.
Thank you Norman Ackroyd and may you Rest in Peace.
I always remember a famous photographer (unfortunately I can’t remember who it was) saying –
‘Don’t buy more gear, buy more books by other photographers’.
I only have to look at my shelves and I clearly took this this advice to heart as I have quite a collection of photobooks, mainly by black and white photographers, and I very much enjoy leafing through them from cover to cover, looking and learning from the images on the pages.
Whether consciously or subconsciously it is my view that all photographers and artists are influenced by the work of others. To be in bubble and to develop your own personal style without ever have been affected by their art or imagery is nigh on an impossibility. If you are a creator then it is only natural that should be interested in the work of other creators. Whether you admire their work or not, the very act of looking at the photographs of well known photographers helps define the direction of your own style, and furthers your understanding and enjoyment of this art form.
In the early days of my photography I was akin to a sponge, soaking up ideas, techniques and learning for myself what I did and didn’t like about other photographer’s work. I have written before about the very distinctive imagery of Michael Kenna, who I have always admired although I haven’t looked through my books of his photographs for quite a long time.
Which brings me to this set of photographs all captured at Castle Hill Gardens on a recent stay in Devon. My wife and I stumbled by chance on this wonderful home and superb parkland gardens. From the moment I got out of the car, and I saw the grounds, in particular the statuary, it instantly reminded me of some photographs by Michael Kenna which I had seen in the past. I knew immediately the approach I would take to the composition and how I would process the images I wanted to make.
The square format, the shallow depth of field, the split tone sepia like tint and the addition of a little film like grain would all feature. We walked around the gardens and I regularly dived off in a different direction to seek out some compositions. Before processing the files I made a deliberate choice not to reach for the Kenna books, so that the results would be my own even though I fully admit to being heavily influenced by the memory of Michael Kenna’s interpretation of similar subjects.
Photographer or not Castle Hill Gardens are well worth a visit. We were there in September, loved the walk around the gardens and we were told that Spring is a particularly special time of year to visit. The Palladian style Castle Hill house has been the home of the Fortescue family since 1684 and the current custodians are the 17th generation to live on the estate. The estate extends to 5,100 acres, including the 50 acres of gardens surrounded by Grade 1 Listed Parkland.
I hope you enjoyed this collection of photographs even if they do bear a passing resemblance to the work of Michael Kenna – to be honest I would be very flattered if you thought this was the case.
You might also be interested to read this entry about an interview with Michael Kenna which I posted back in 2018.
My trusted twisted hazel walking stick and stag horn handle
It’s late summer in mid September 2024 and the start of my ‘pilgrimage’. To place one foot in front of another for the entire length of the Jubilee Trail in Dorset, a total distance of 90 miles. Not all in one go I hasten to add, but in separate walks which would cover the length of the trail. The trail starts in the north west of the county near Forde Abbey on the border with Somerset, and concludes on the border with Hampshire in the north east, close to the village of Martin. Some of the routes will be circular in nature, others will be out and back along the same path, whilst those closest to home will allow my wife to drop me off and then pick me up later in the day. I don’t intend walking each section in order but rather like a jigsaw puzzle each walk will in time complete the picture.
The 90 mile Jubilee Trail
In preparation I have researched and created routes for all the walks – there are 32 in total – and they cover a distance of more than 180 miles. Some are quite short, less than 3 miles in one case, but none are more than 8 miles, as there will be detours along most of the routes. I have described this journey as something of a pilgrimage as it will give me time to contemplate, to explore, to get to know and truly appreciate the beauty of the Dorset landscape. I wish to visit all 34 churches which are either on the trail itself or are very close by, but just as importantly I want to take my time to immerse myself in the landscape, and to make photographs of each individual walk.
This is the first walk and I thought it appropriate if it was at one end of the trail, so I chose to start in the east. As well as imagery, I will include a map of the route and a description of the walk and my thoughts along the way.
So here we go!
Sillens Lane car park to Pentridge Hill and PentridgeVillage
After a flat white coffee at home I put my camera bag, walking boots and hazel hiking stick in the car and drove the 28 miles to the small car park at Sillens Lane which lies close to the village of Martin; the most westerly village in Hampshire. Much to my surprise I arrived to find a crowded car park but there was one space available although the next visitor might not be quite so lucky. ‘RingGo’, a parking app, requested a voluntary car parking fee of £3 for the day to help maintain the area. It’s a small price to pay, even if I did key in the wrong registration number on the app! I must have had other things on my mind.
A couple of signs provided information about Martin Down Nature Reserve and alongside these boards was a wooden bench in memory of Ronald Bolt 1918 – 2003. I assumed this must have been his favourite spot to admire and walk in the landscape. I very much doubted he needed the signage to tell him why he should love an area which was so special to him.
I prepared to set off and there were a couple of pathways I could choose from. Despite having the ‘Outdoor Active App’ on my smartphone I still managed to pick the wrong track, but this was easily rectified when I reached Bokerley Dyke, a scheduled monument. The earthworks are about 3.6 miles long, and are thought to have originated in the Bronze Age or early Iron Age. In its time it was an important cultural and political boundary. It marks the actual starting point for the Jubilee Trail but to my surprise there was nothing else to signify the beginning of trail, nor its end if someone had walked its length from West to East. No signage no way-marks, nothing.
I headed in a south westerly direction alongside a coppice with a field of cattle on my right. After a short time I stopped briefly to tuck my trousers into my socks to discourage any ticks that might be lurking in the vegetation awaiting their next blood thirsty meal. I also put my down jacket in my rucksack as I was already warming up. The forecast was for dry weather with sunshine, but it actually turned out to be a beautiful day and much warmer than I had anticipated.
With the coppice now behind me an old and rusty farm gate lay ahead with a well trodden track leading off to the right. At the time it seemed obvious to me that this was the path and it wasn’t necessary to open the gate into the field. There were no signs to inform me otherwise so I my instinct took charge. Later on I would find out that my instinct was incorrect and I had made the wrong choice.
Decisions, decisions
It wasn’t until I reached the track which lead from Whitey Top Farm that I realised my mistake, so I doubled back a short way until I found a wire and barbed fence which I could clamber through and rejoin the trail. After this minor navigational error the rest of the route was quite straightforward.
It was now midday and getting much warmer. I don’t much like the heat so I wouldn’t have wanted it to much hotter. I was only 1.4 miles into the walk but some liquid refreshment was needed. The first part of this walk had been a steady incline and the views of Cranborne Chase were starting to reveal their beauty. So too was some of the wildlife. Above me a kestrel hovered in the air sighting its prey on the ground below. I looked down and a few wasps emerged from a hole in the chalk track, a nest I assumed. Later and for a brief moment a hornet circled my ankles but no sooner had it arrived than it left, flying out of sight and not to be seen again. I was grateful as their bite is far from pleasant, although I am told they are not aggressive creatures, they just look that way.
I crossed a field of wheat that had recently been harvested with many a grain still lying on the ground providing plenty of food for rooks, pigeons and other birds.
A recently harvested field with the promise of shade ahead
A few trees lay ahead offering a little shade from the sun which continued to shine brightly, as I made my way through a gate and on to Pentridge Hill, which in turn would lead me Penbury Knoll and a place to rest for a simple packed lunch. For the first time on the walk I met another person; a horse and rider to be exact. We greeted each other, said it was a beautiful day and went our separate ways.
Onwards through the gate and on to Pentridge Hill
Looking towards Penbury Knoll with Cranborne Chase in the distance
The fallen
I reached the trig point at Penbury Knoll, the highest point on the walk and a very fine place to stop for a while and admire the surrounding scenery. It wasn’t difficult to find a shady spot, sit down, lean my back against a tree trunk and rest my feet and legs. I hadn’t walked that far but I am not as young as I used to be. It was exactly 1 o’clock so definitely time for some lunch and to spend time taking in the far reaching views. As I munched on my marmite and cheese baguette I saw a red kite twisting, turning and gliding on the thermals above Pentridge Down. It was a great display. As I watched this bird of prey, a gentle wind blew and in the shady setting of old oaks and tall conifers I cooled down and slowed down.
The view from Penbury Knoll
A few minutes later and the kite re-appeared from below my feet, exploring the chalk downland, then wings started beating as it stopped to retain its position in the air. The wings halt their movement and the kite quickly dives out of view, maybe it was heading towards my next stopping point – the village of Pentridge and the church of St Rumbold.
Before I leave this lovely serene spot, I swallow a single tablet prescribed to help reduce my high blood pressure. I wonder which is more effective, a drug or taking exercise and being in the landscape?
It pays to slow down and to stop, to photograph and count my blessings.
A fine place to stop and admire the landscape – Penbury Knoll
I came out of the shade to rejoin the trail and the sun, but I was now refreshed and eagerly awaiting what lay before me. The path took me south and gently downhill towards Blackbush Plantation before turning sharp right and continuing the descent across grassland and cultivated fields. I had now left the Jubilee Trail and joined the Hardy Way, another long distance path across Dorset and Wiltshire which takes in places associated with the author and poet Thomas Hardy. At over 216 miles in length I will leave that trail for another day.
The descent begins down the Hardy Way
The approach to Pentridge Village
The farm track lined with dried grasses and wildflowers, almost skeletal in nature, soon led me to Pentridge, a tiny and pretty village made up of mainly detached houses with a mix of tiled roofs and thatch.
I made my way to the church, to find the churchyard like others rather untidy but that’s the way of things today. Churches are now encouraged to leave some areas left untended to encourage wildlife.
Pentridge Church of St Rumbold
To my delight the door to the church opened and I stepped inside and was greeted by the sun working its magic through the leaded light windows. It was wonderful and I captured the light and the darkness with my camera. I always consider images of this nature to be very fortuitous as they only present themselves when the light is at a certain height and is cast in a particular direction. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Divine intervention possibly?
The Book of Common Prayer
The light and the shadows
Having taken these two photographs I spotted a sign in one of the stone window reveals. Unfortunately it wasn’t dated but the notice confirmed the grant of £70 for an enlargement to the church on condition that 140 seats were reserved for the poorer inhabitants of the parish. How times have changed I thought to myself. Today a Communion service is only held once a month at St Rumbold’s and I doubt if the number of parishioners attending would break into double figures. I wondered how long ago it might have been when all the pews were packed with both the rich and the poor?
140 seats reserved for the poor
I left the church and departed the village, up a stony lane towards Whitey Top Farm and the last ascent of the day. As I approached the farm two seemingly rather aggressive dogs ran towards me, barking loudly as they did so. Fortunately there was a strong fence between them and me but nevertheless I was pleased when I had passed them by.
Back on the Jubilee Trail before returning to the car
I turned left and rejoined the Jubilee Trail and then descended back the way I had come earlier that day, through the shade of the coppice before entering open ground back to the car park. I checked my navigation app and I only had a third of a mile to walk before completing the first of thirty two walks exploring the Jubilee Trail. It had been a joyous walk of 6.2 miles and the weather could not have been better.
I only saw two other people, the lone horse rider and one other walker; a woman on her own at Penbury Knoll. By the time I noticed her, she had walked past me with her back now facing me. She hadn’t stopped to admire the view, nor say hello but I wasn’t offended, as I like it on my own. The solitary experience of just me in the countryside, alone with my thoughts, whilst enjoying nature and the beautiful landscape appeals to me.
It wasn’t long before I saw my car parked in the near distance, the number of cars had diminished considerably.
I drove home excited at the prospect of my next encounter with the Jubilee Trail.
There is something to be said for getting out a map and without spending too much time choosing a location which you haven’t visited before. To enjoy the change, explore new paths never knowing what you might come across.
I did this recently and I intend to repeat the experience on many future occasions. Irrespective of the weather and length of walk there are always images to be made.
I have included a small selection of photographs taken recently on a Sunday morning stroll to the South East of East Chaldon village in Dorset, also known as Chaldon Herring. With more time this walk could easily be extended to include a section of the South West Coast path to visit either Durdle Door or Ringstead Bay.
Back in June 2012 when I first launched this blog I don’t think it ever occurred to me that 12 years later I would still be making photographs and writing about my photographic thoughts and experiences. Surely it would just be a fun thing to do for a while? The initial enthusiasm would wear thin, the commitment and inspiration would slowly die and I would move on and do something else with my time wouldn’t I? Well no, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting at my keyboard today!
(Please note – I have illustrated this post with a few images which have appeared over the years, with links in the caption to the relevant entry)
It’s been a very long time since I checked the statistics provided by WordPress so I thought I would take a quick look. This will be post number 460 and to date I have written just over 180,000 words. These may or may not be significant numbers compared to other blogs but when you think that a 300 page novel contains on average about 82,500 words I am now in the early stages of my third book. I can’t tell you the total number of images without counting them all but I would guess that I average a minimum of 3 images per post, so that’s approximately 1,500 pictures. Ignoring figures I am proud of the fact that I have shared my images and thoughts over this time and I hope that a few regular readers and new visitors have enjoyed and benefitted in some small way from the content.
Things have inevitably changed over this period and I am fully aware that I am not as prolific as I was in the first few years. In fact for the first five years on average I would post once a week, even though back then I was working full time. Since 2020 it’s more like once a month even though I am now retired and should in theory have more time, but other hobbies and interests somehow get in the way.
I am very aware that my enthusiasm for photography has waned in more recent times, we have moved house and Covid and the associated lock-downs unquestionably changed thinking and behaviour.
Photography for me has become a more solitary pursuit. In those early years I was a competitive member of a camera club; I took part in exhibitions; I worked hard to achieve both Licentiateship and Associateship distinctions of the Royal Photographic Society. I attended a number of photographic workshops and for a few years I gave talks about my photography to camera clubs. These incentives to participate and make new work no longer apply – my own choice entirely, although changing circumstances have played their part.
So what about the future direction of my photography and more specifically this blog?
This blog is for me akin to a journal or online diary. In fact when blogs first appeared on the internet back in 1994 that’s exactly how they were described. In 1997 the term ‘Weblog’ was used but this was shortened to ‘Blog’ two years later. In the early 2000’s blogging really took off and WordPress was formed in 2003. Social Media, vlogging and the rise of AI and ChatGPT have all changed the world. They have all influenced how we react to events and communicate with one another, and will continue to do so.
The question therefore arises – ‘Does my humble blog and website still have any relevance?’ Absolutely is my answer and let me explain why.
I think my blog can be likened in some ways to the chicken and the egg conundrum. Which comes first – the content; i.e. photographs which inspire me to compose another blog entry; or the blog itself which encourages me to go out and make content which I can then write about?
To my mind both explanations have a degree of truth. Photography is an art, a form of creativity but so is writing a blog post. Ideas, consideration and sometimes research is required before typing any words. I enjoy being creative, making images and then writing about my photography. I can share both the pictures and what I have to say with others. The whole process gets me thinking and that in itself is a form of creativity. If I do have photographs or thoughts I wish to share then this is an ideal platform for me to go about it. After I have been out with my camera and return home, I download the files, process the images and choose the ones which bring me the most pleasure – it’s then a natural conclusion to finish the work flow by writing a post and hitting ‘publish’. It’s another chapter in the ‘book’ completed before I move on and start working towards the next one. Likes and preferably comments are of course always welcome but as I have already stated, this hobby of mine is a rather solitary pursuit and irrespective of the feedback I will carry on with what I have been doing for the past 12 years simply for my own personal pleasure and satisfaction.
So what about the future. If there is some truth in the notion that this blog motivates me to be more creative then I do need to be more productive. I don’t want to make content just for the sake of it as I would like to maintain or even enhance the quality of that content. However throughout my working life I was expected to work towards a set of targets. My pay and reward depended upon it. That is no longer the case thank goodness, but having a goal or something that provides a focus is no bad thing. Over the coming months I intend to publish an average of two posts a month. If I exceed this number all well and good but I consider this to be an achievable aim.
Whether the chicken or egg comes first I neither know nor mind!
alan frost photography 