Christopher John Ball Fine Arts Photographer and Writer

In a Very English Town by John Comino-James.

Published by Dewi Lewis Ltd; First Edition edition. 2008. ISBN-13: 978-1904587729

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In a Very English Town by John Comino-JamesBetween July 2007 – June 2008 John Comino-James photographed the streets, businesses and shopkeepers of the small In a Very English Town by John Comino-Jamesmarket town of Thame, in Oxfordshire. The results, along with interviews, are reproduced within the monograph 'In a Very English Town'. Comino-James was inspired to make this photographic study his local town after he was asked by a Cuban friend to show her everyday life in the area. His series of panoramic photographs are displayed within the book in a sequence that represents meandering walk through the town. The project takes the form of a series of portraits, interviews and candid photographs aimed at documenting everything from the cattle market, the last still operating in the area, traveling showmen at one of the two annual fairs and a weekly street market.

In a Very English Town by John Comino-JamesThe interviews add enormously to the body of work as they reveal a pride in the continuation of familyIn a Very English Town by John Comino-James businesses as they face challenges from the increasing impact of the internet. Rather than the large chains that are encroaching upon many a town and city, Comino-James largely focuses upon the smaller business men and women, the tiny stores that still offer a taste of what life was once like and the personal service one used to be able to enjoy. In many ways 'In a Very English Town' is a lament to a lost battle, a way of life that will soon become extinct.

In a Very English Town by John Comino-JamesThe panoramic format of the images works well; often such an aspect ratio can make the viewer feel distant from the subject but here it serves to draw one inIn a Very English Town by John Comino-James and provide an odd sense of comfort. The compositions are thoughtful and Comino-James displays a strong sense of humour and warmth within the frame, often making playful contradictions within the image. His use of reflections within his compositions, often taking the form of portraits with others looking in from outside, reminded this reviewer of the work of Lee Friedlander.

'In a Very English Town' is published as a 160mm x 295mm Hardback book. Within its 168 pages you will find 110 beautifully reproduced duotone reproductions that do full justice to the photographs.

'In a Very English Town' is a warm, witty monograph with much to offer; one that would reward repeated viewings. I can recommend it to all.

 

Review by Christopher John Ball

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