The Architecture and
People of Bath
A photobook by Paul J Gooch entitled:
"The City of Bath - Enduring Structures and Transient Lives"
Inspired by the streets and buildings of Bath (my hometown), I have created a photobook that captures the interplay of timeless architecture with fleeting moments of human life. The historical structures of Bath have stood for centuries, witnessing generations of people come and go. My photobook employs photographic techniques that render people as ethereal, fleeting figures against these enduring buildings. This contrast emphasises the idea that people are merely transient custodians of the city's enduring and historic architecture.
The architecture of Bath:
The photobook presents a collection of high quality photographs and accompanying narrative that explores the architectural heritage of the City of Bath. The book features images of the enduring Georgian architecture and describes the work of notable architects of the day. Visiting key locations within the Georgian City, the book presents a blend of purely architectural images, alongside other images that feature Bath’s transient population.
The transient people of Bath:
Traditional architectural photography rarely includes people, aside from occasional figures to provide scale (much like an architect’s drawing). While my photobook does feature purely architectural compositions, I was keen to push the boundaries of the genre by incorporating the transient people who live, work, and socialize in Bath.
Reflections of Bath:
Within the photobook, I have included a section of photographs using reflections as a fascinating way to observe and capture the fleeting nature of people that live, work and socialise within Bath’s classical urban setting. I enjoy this approach which creates a surreal, multi-layered, painterly perspective. This chapter brings colour into the frame and scenes are captured using reflections from a variety of surfaces including glass, paintwork and water. The resulting semi-abstract images foster a sense of mystery that is designed to stimulate the imagination of the viewer and to also invite the viewer to look at the familiar with fresh eyes.
Bath - then & now:
Photography provides a very useful visual reference when assessing historic changes that have evolved over the passage of time. This photobook incorporates vintage photographs taken from circa 1850 to circa 1936. These vintage images are juxtaposed against monochrome transient style photographs made in the modern day. Whilst the architectural structures endure, it is interesting to view the vintage photographs and observe humanity's transient and evolving condition.
Photobook - example pages:
This A4 landscape photobook has been printed and bound to a quality specification. The book contains 188 internal pages, with quality photographs throughout that are printed on 170 gsm silk paper. The book is a thread sewn bound and encased in a hardback cover with black end papers. The photobook has been self-published using ISBN reference: 978-1-3999-9270-1.
Endorsements:
“A stunning book showcasing Bath’s architecture whilst also capturing the lives of those who visit, live and work in our beautiful city.”
- The Mayor of Bath (Councillor Michelle O'Doherty)
“A delightful and beautifully created photobook.”
- David Crellin (History of Bath Research Group)
“This beautifully presented book features a captivating series of images that showcase the evolving community of Bath against the backdrop of enduring Georgian architecture.”
- Ian Hargreaves (President of the Bath Photographic Society)
"A quality photobook, not only for its production and photography, but also for the architectural history of Bath. The mono photographs bring out the fine architectural details. Well worth reading."
- Robert Bilbie (President of the Norwich & District Photographic Society)
Enlarged framed prints:
High quality enlarged giclée professional photograph prints are available from the book. The enlarged photographs are printed on archival quality paper. Bespoke hand cut mounts are made and the photographs are framed in 20" x 16" handmade wooden frames. The frames are finished in smooth matt black. Each framed photograph is signed.
Architectural heritage & sustainability:
The photobook concludes with a section (including a series of poignant photographs) that considers the need to maintain effective sustainability policies to protect the architectural heritage of Bath and to also consider environment in which we live.
Contact:
If you have any comments or questions, then please use the following form to get in touch.
Should you wish to purchase a copy of the photobook (or an enlarged framed print), please use the form below to make contact. Alternatively, should you wish to view a sample of the photobook and perhaps consider purchasing the photobook in person, you can do so at: Topping & Company Booksellers, York Street, Bath.