Roadside Britain Book:

Its with great pleasure that I announce the pre-launch of Roadside Britain. Published by diesel books this July, the work completes Sam Mellish's study of the traditional roadside service industry throughout the UK - a parallel of the route 66 culture. Incase you're new to this blog, a small synopsis of the work is highlighted below, while do read more to learn about the project, it's history, developments, supporters and even exhibitions. The latest title has kindly been introduced by photography critic Max Houghton as well as author and social and cultural historian Joe Moran. Copies can be pre-ordered from Waterstones online while details of the official launch will be uploaded soon:

- order your copy now - 

Title Synopsis:

Roadside Britain is a limited edition monograph, which aims to represent the traditional and quintessential aspects of trunk roadside culture, with emphasis on location and environment. Over a four-year period, taking inspiration from the iconic Route 66 culture of America, Sam Mellish ventured along the UK’s many trunk roads to bring home a real taste of roadside Britain. Inspired by the likes of Paul Graham and the photography of the Farm Security Administration survey of 1930’s America, Sam created the work with an innate desire to learn more about his homeland and its own roadside culture, coupled with a real love of the open road and a good cup of tea. 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Roadside Britain

Genre: Photography & Art limited edition Monograph

Author: Sam Mellish

Introduced By: Max Houghton

Preface By: Joe Moran

ISBN: 978-0-9566928-1-8

Publisher: diesel books

Pages: 168

Type: Hardback with Jacket

Size: 270 by 190mm

Cost: £20

A Warm Welcome to 2012:

- Imagery is currently on display at Andy's Kitchen, Hereford -

Wishing you a warm welcome to 2012. It's been a great year for the roadside Britain project, festivals, exhibitions and numerous road-trips have arisen since the success of Arts Council funding in 2009/10. Adventures to Ireland, Scotland and Wales have proved a success, while re-visiting Paul Grahams steps as I ventured along the A1 - The Great North Road to offer a homage to his work. As I look towards 2012, i'm excited to be working on my second book, one which will encapsulate the whole body, including the initial project 'London to Lands End' captured in 2008, embracing the quintessential trade. I've been slightly hesitant about putting new imagery on this blog since the beginning of the year, although here are a few images which i'd like to share:

Hereford today...

With little over a month in storage, it's great to have a selection of my Roadside Britain exhibition back on wall space. Arriving in the beautiful Hereford late this afternoon to blue skies and fresh air, it's a delight to be part of this years Hereford Photography Festival Fringe. After speaking with the festivals coordinator, Cai Broom, it looks set to be a great opening this Friday and having a sneak preview at some of the main exhibitors, it looks set for a fantastic festival. Here are some rather shaky images from todays hanging at Andy's Kitchen.

Hereford Photography Festival 2011

I'm delighted to update my blog with news that a selection of my work will feature during the Hereford Photography Festival Fringe. Showing a small collection of work at Andy's Kitchen in the heart of the city. Opening this Friday, if your in the area do pop along and enjoy work from host of national and international photographers:

Talks, Tours and London Tea

Since opening my exhibition at Ipswich Arts School last month, it's been a busy time with talks, tours and workshops. Hosting my premier workshop last week with Northgate High School, I'm scheduled for more during the summer. While I've also allowed time to get out into the city and sock up some of the caffs which sit adjacent to the inner city trunk roads, it's far to say I've meet a hardier folk, yet many have left me touched with their kindness and willingness to help. Notably 'The Shepherdess' just off the A1 between Old Street and Angle, while the 'Hope For Workers Cafe' is the epitome of bustling London Caffs serving a steady flow of cabbies, workers and passers by. Another highlight was Syd's on the A10. Established in 1919, nearly a decade ago, the business has seen highs and lows, carriage fires and countless newspaper clippings. Pre war, the owners ran several similar vans across the city, and now as we push further into the 21st century the shutters remain open, a tea costs 50p and cabbies come and go in their masses. Contrary to the country, I noticed many homeless passing by, as they did, Cheryl, whom works at Syd's, handed out fresh tea for those brave enough to ask. It's a contrast shooting in the city, my cars a constant hindrance, congestion zones are expensive and parking equals turning my hazards lights on keeping a watchful beadie eye for the traffic wardens. Yet i feel it's an integral part of the project, I'll endeavour to continue shooting the city over the next year or so. Hopefully free of fines.....

New Exhibitions Opens today!

Come along and celebrate my photography reportage of traditional roadside services throughout the South of England - a homage to the quintessential and transient trade! The exhibitions opens today, although the official launch together with First Exposure a Schools exhibition, which I've helped to curate, opens on the 2nd of July.

Ipswich Arts School - Upper High Street

25th September - 2nd October 2011

10am - 5pm Tuesday to Sunday

- directions -

Roadside Britain exhibition heads to Ipswich:

Roadside Britain is an exploration of livelihood at the edge of society. Consciously boycotting the mainstream to celebrate the uncelebrated, eschewing modernization in order to embrace a timeless yet challenged trade. Floating between the observational and the voyeuristic, documenting the mundane, the eccentric and a unique much loved Britishness, the work challenges the icons of the highway and brings home a real taste of Roadside Britain.

Ipswich Art School - High Street - Ipswich

25th June - 18th September 2011

Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

Directions