Life As It Is

‘Although RRB have already published the landmark trilogy of John Myers we are fortunate that more photographs have recently come to light and are published here for the first time. Even more fortunate is the fact that many of these are Myers terrific portraits. This volume confirms Myers role as one of the key portraitists of post-war Britain.’ Martin Parr

This narrative approach to Myers' collection is the first of its kind. The publication weaves together distinct customs of a peaceful middle England and uncanny sights that ‘don’t conform to how the world should look.’ Frames throughout the book invite us to step into nostalgic environments. Passing through each threshold, we are greeted by folk often characterised by their occupations - butchers, sales assistants, dinner ladies.

Myers has always maintained that he had no grand plan with his photography, simply shooting what his eyes were drawn to. In this respect, perhaps this book is somewhat autobiographical.

“Houses, buses, removal vans, hairdressers, people having their photograph taken, roofs being replaced, washing drying, bananas growing, tyres, houses and ice cream for sale. They are all here.”

We are often unconscious of this ‘fabric of the world’, but here we recognise the sense of comfort. The habitat presented is Myers most immediate surroundings, Stourbridge in the Midlands, UK. There is a familiarity in these images that can be felt across generations of suburban dwellers alike. When we look closely at the images, glimmers of anecdotes seem to emerge.