#2 CAMERA Book Review: Mark Massey - The Essex Chronicles

August 8th 2018

A quick look at Mark's newsprint edition of his Essex Chronicles photography project.

Mark Massey's The Essex Chronicles is a long term documentary project exploring life along the northern shoreline of the Thames Estuary, from Foulness Island in the east to Purfleet in the west. Produced over several years, the work examines the relationship between people and the varied landscapes that define the Essex coast, including marshland, industrial infrastructure, seaside resorts, nature reserves and residential communities. Rather than concentrating on the river itself, Massey photographs the everyday spaces that exist alongside it, documenting how the estuary shapes the lives of those who live and work there.

Working in a straightforward documentary style, Massey combines environmental portraits with observations of public spaces, coastal landmarks and changing industrial landscapes. The project records commercial ports, flood defences, amusement arcades, fishing communities, military sites and recreational areas, presenting the estuary as a place where industry, leisure and the natural environment exist alongside one another. Having lived in Southend on Sea throughout his life, Massey approaches the subject from the perspective of a photographer documenting the social and geographical character of his own region rather than relying on established visual stereotypes associated with Essex.

Originally published as a 28 page tabloid newsprint publication, The Essex Chronicles reflects Massey's background in magazine design as well as his interest in making documentary photography accessible through affordable printed formats. The project forms part of a broader body of work centred on social documentary photography, examining the interaction between people, place and community through sustained observation of the contemporary British landscape.

Twitter: @markmassey99

#markmassey #essex #photobook

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