CAMERA - Mik Critchlow: 1955-2023

Mik Critchlow: 1955-2023

This video features an interview I recorded with the late Mik Critchlow. At the time, I was experimenting with different interview formats, and Mik generously offered his time to help me explore the process.

Due to my inexperience, the original audio quality—for both Mik and myself—was poor. Since his passing, I’ve made efforts to salvage the audio in order to share our conversation online.

Due to the complexities of the editing, parts of the audio Mik's lip sync is out a little in parts.

Mik was Ashington born and bred, he was a familiar and welcome presence in his hometown. Dedicating his life to documenting his corner of North East England, he created a striking archive of every aspect of community life: galas, whippet racing, shopkeepers and tradespeople at work, bingo, football, children playing, gossip in the hairdressers and everyday life on the streets and in people’s homes.

Perhaps, his most important work is the many images of coal mining – the raison d’être of Ashington. Mik’s father, brother and grandfather had spent their working lives as miners and his deeply moving photographs chronicle the last days of an industry that had driven Britain’s industrial revolution. The BBC described Mik as ‘a working class hero’. He was indeed an inspirational photographer who recognised the importance of capturing his tribe for the benefit of generations to come. Coal Town is a tribute to his vision and commitment. (Source: Image & Reality)

Mik Crtichlow:

Books:
'Under The Rainbow' - Bloodaxe Books 1992
'Durham Past Present Future' - Queen Anne Press 1993
'Car Crazy' - Barry Stone 2001
'Igloos In The Sun' - Barry Stone 2004
'SEAMEN - The NUS Strike 1988 - 1989' Black Diamond Press 2013
'Britain's Lost Mines' - Chris Arnot - Aurum Press 2013
'Up There' - Michael Walker - De Coubertin Books 2014
'HIRST' - Buddleia Projects/bait 2018
Coal Town - Bluecoat Press - Liverpool 2019

Selected Press:

Music:
Epidemic Sound
I See You
DEX 1200

Camera is on:
Thank you for all your support.

#mikcrtichlow #ashington #photography #photographer