An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

James Ravilious was one England's greatest photographers, yet he and his work remains largely unknown. Coming late to photography in life, he devoted his last 17 years to documenting a small community in north Devon, contributing over 80,ooo photos to a project that later became known as the Beaford Archive.

The collection, one of the most extensive in the country, revealed a way of life that many, myself included, thought had long disappeared.

Back in print as a paperback, due largely to a recent and compelling BBC documentary, An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious, promises to be a real treat, and I've got it on my list. Ravilious was no ordinary documentary photographer, he elevated his work to an art-form, that, to my mind, parallels Cartier-Bresson.

Amazon US: An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

Amazon UK: An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

BBC highlights work of James Ravilious

What was to become known as the Beaford Archive, James Ravilious' 17 year project is a poignant insight and tribute to the way of life in a small North Devon farming community, here in the UK.

Although originally broadcast on BBC Four on Saturday 7th March, it's still available to watch here till the 14th March, courtesy of the Beeb's iPlayer service.

Many thanks to this excellent site, for the tip off, while the late photographer's website can be visited here

Amazon US: An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

Amazon UK: An English Eye: Photographs of James Ravilious

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Kevin