Chorleywood based photographer Tom Warland takes on a project he believes is important as a social history record. Photographs © Tom Warland
“With three pubs in Britain closing down every week I decided it would be a good idea to do a photo documentary of the Land of Liberty as a record of a traditional local pub.” explains Tom Warland.
Tom started his project last month. He is taking all the photographs on a retro style 5 x 4in wooden plate camera using standard black and white film. We will be publishing some of his work here over the whole of the project
Tom went to St Clement Danes School, studied photography at Amersham College and the University of Wales. He is now back at Amersham teaching photography
Photos © Tom Bob Warland
LAND OF LIBERTY in focus…
“I usually shoot in colour but it seemed right to use a traditional method (A 5 x 4 camera was commonly used in the 30s, 40s, 50s) as the pub is so traditional in every way. I get a better reaction from people too.. as soon as they see the old school large format they are instantly interested and don’t get offended or suspicious. The photos are taken with 15 second exposure and I process the film in the kitchen sink and hang negatives over the bath to dry. ”
Tom’s mission is to snap customers over a year to capture the essence of the role of the pub in our community and show, in a series of images, how people use the pub and interact with each other.
“I especially like taking photos of things we take for granted and may not stay that way forever. When I have a lens in my hand I learn. I sit down with my camera and talk to people.”
“CAMRA’s (Campaign for Real Ale) have been on a mission trying to quantify the value of the community pub,” adds Landlady Gill Gibson, “They established that a lot more happens in the pub than drinking beer… Problem solving typically takes place , we see a lot of that here. People get advice and even do business over a pint of beer. When you walk through our door you open lots of other doors, make connections with other people and gain access to new places.”
The timing of Tom’s photo documentary fits in neatly with a project Gil has also just got off the ground with the help of customer Susanna McLaughlin and barman Albert Stebbings
“The conversations that go on in the pub are so varied we decided to record the variety of subjects discussed! Susanna has created a dialogue and Albert is hoping to record some audio at a later date.”
Tom plans to revisit the project every 5 years to record changes in the community and society on the whole.
He is about six weeks in and already has produced a varied set of images.. and there are plenty more planned
“All sorts of people mix here, from wealthy business owners & unemployed, foodies and chefs, beer connoisseurs & novices, parents & teachers, retirees and energetic youngsters. It is where lost friends are held in memorial and new friends and contacts are made. I want to capture the characters and a typical year in a traditional British Pub and there could be no better local to choose than the Land of Liberty. I might just drink a few pints when I am at it!”
Overheard in the bar…
“Hi Lewis, I was wondering if you knew anyone who could help me with my brakes. They make a really funny noise and I’m a bit worried but it’s the weekend and it will be hard to get anyone to look at them before next week.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I’m a fully qualified mechanic. Let’s go and have a listen”
“So, I think your brakepads need changing. You know, it will be really easy for me to do tomorrow – why don’t you bring your car around and I’ll get it done for you.”