Returning to the North East in 2001 to document the Durham Coalfield, at one time the heartland of the British coal industry, Chris Steele-Perkins found himself in that exurban culture that we now associate with Billy Elliot. This world of lamping (for rabbits), ferreting, whippet racing, grouse shooting, pigeon fancying and the rearing of birds of prey is a survival of what D. H. Lawrence once described as a curious cross between industrialism and the old agricultural England of Shakespeare and Milton. Chris Steele-Perkins has memorably recorded this with visual wit, and a constant eye for the extraordinary. Nor is he at all sentimental: the harsh realities of blood-stained slaughter-houses and the vandalism of fly-tipping in the open countryside aren't excluded. His photographs, he says, serve as both eulogy and elegy.

‘A book that captures a dying way of life; exposing a fascinating culture of ferreting, whippet racing and pigeon fancying, as well as the harsh realities of the country side. In a way, his study is a love letter to a region and culture for which he feels deep, undying affection'. Arches

‘A realistic view of modern country living. Each image provides authentic, natural, and sometimes graphic snaps which celebrate northern life.’ Evening Chronicle

‘A photographic diary of life in the North-East, humorously and sympathetically shot by internationally renowned photographer Chris Steele-Perkins brings to life a way of living probably never encountered or considered by most - but which will be recognised with fondness by many.’ The Northern Echo

‘…these photographs may well turn out to be ‘an elegy’ for a way of life that is slowly dying’. The Independent

more about Chris Steele-Perkins