I always found books which have not been intentionally made as a photobook interesting. This is one of those, a record of a surreal episode, a refreshing period piece, well-documented in photographs by Tony Sleep. The first edition was produced in an edition of 350 and sold-out fairly quickly — it seemed to by-pass the photobook world. A second edition is on its way.
Rudi Thoemmes is a Bristol based publisher and bookseller. www.rrbphotobooks.com
On a visit to Narayana Press earlier this year, I was told about a photographer they recently had on press who was such a perfectionist that it took 12 days to print his book. Narayana wondered if I knew him since he also came from Bristol. Of course, I remembered Stephen, who gave a memorable talk at one of our photobook festivals and left a lasting impression. He has since moved to Sweden with his family, where the photographs for this book were taken.
I am very glad that Narayana showed so much patience in the production of this truly beautiful and remarkable book. Thank you Stephen, and thank you Narayana Press for enabling Stephen Gill’s genius and obsessiveness to create such a brilliant and creative work of art.
Rudi Thoemmes is a Bristol based publisher and bookseller. www.rrbphotobooks.com
This is a splendid dialogue and pairings between two archives: Martin Parr in the left-hand corner and over on the right we have Lee Shulman’s extensive archive of slides by amateur photographers. It must have been tremendous fun for Lee to select the pairings - there is no clear winner though Martin’s use of his flash gives him a slight edge. It is unpretentious but it also has enough raw material for those who want to ponder on the meaning of it all. Essential core book for all undergraduate courses on photography and just plain fun too. Hoxton Press have published the English version.
Rudi Thoemmes is a Bristol based publisher and bookseller.
rrbphotobooks.com
Tim Richmond’s book did not make it to Bristol until the beginning of 2023 and it has been my favourite book ever since. It’s Tim’s love letter to a small section of the Bristol Channel, from Severn Beach down to Minehead. Not the sort of places you will find in any of Parr’s beach locations and very much about the underbelly of those coastal towns.
One of the few books on my shelves which gets better with each viewing.
Rudi Thoemmes is a Bristol based publisher and bookseller.
rrbphotobooks.com
Everything a good retrospective should have: readable essays, good selection and layout, solid production, well edited and a few discoveries along the way too.
A word of cautions: Something went wrong with the second edition, I would definitely pay more and try and find the first printing.
Rudi Thoemmes is a Bristol based publisher and bookseller.
rrbphotobooks.com
My nomination for first photo book and another fine production from Dalphine.
Rudi Thoemmes is a Bristol based publisher and bookseller.
rrbphotobooks.com
