November 2024
It’s been a while since I updated the site, so felt I should post a little something. 2024 has been a satisfyingly busy year in terms of my photographic projects, seeing both the completion of material for one book, and solid progress on another. These are due to be published in Autumn 2025, and Spring 2026 respectively. More details to follow nearer the time.
For those who follow me on social media, I must apologise for my absence in recent months. Having tried to keep up regular posts over the last few years, I finally ran out of steam in the summer in what I guess you’d call ‘burn-out’. Given the terminal decline of Twitter and decreasing engagement on Instagram, combined with my own exhaustion, I decided that it was perhaps time to take a break. I intend to start occasionally sharing work again in the new year, although, I’m no longer on Twitter, but have been using Threads in place of it.
Right: 1930s house in Worcester - November 2024
All the best, Philip
C O N C R E T E J U N G L E
C O N C R E T E J U N G L E
October 2023 sees the publication of a new zine, on my imprint ADM, entitled:
CONCRETE JUNGLE - An Introduction to Dudley Zoological Garden's Pioneering Geometric Tectons
Opening its doors to the public in May 1937, Dudley Zoological Gardens is home to not only a vast array of exotic creatures but also a remarkable collection of unique concrete structures known as Tectons. Designed by an architectural group headed by the renowned Modernist Berthold Lubetkin, these structures represented a pioneering approach to zoo architecture that pushed the boundaries of conventional design. They offered both a new visual aesthetic to the viewing public and a modern approach to housing captive species.
Annotated contemporary photos take the reader around the site, structure by structure, documenting their forms in the Twenty-First Century.
February 2023: London Tube Stations 1924-1961
I’m delighted to announce that a redesigned, retitled version of last year’s Tube Station Anthology 1924-1961 book will be published by FUEL on April 13th 2023. Entitled London Tube Stations 1924-1961, the new book follows the same format, but features an increased number of photos, including several new ones taken specifically for this edition. As before, my photos accompany an in depth look at the history of the Underground during this period written by Joshua Abbot.
It will be available internationally and distributed by Thames and Hudson.
Size-wise, the book sits within the excellent FUEL series of titles showcasing Twentieth-century architecture from the former Soviet Union. These include Christopher Herwig’s Soviet Bus Stops and Metro Station books.
14-August-22: Coastal Moderne
Following several years of documenting the surviving inter-war architecture found on Britain’s coastline, I have created a new gallery on this site grouping some of examples together.
Find out more here.
10-June-22: Milk & Modernism
I’ve written an article for the Art Deco Society UK on the former dairy at Great Torrington, a derelict site from the late 1940s that I visited in March this year. Read the article on their website.
04-May-22 : Tube Station Anthology
If you missed the crowdfunding campaign in February, Tube Station Anthology 1924 - 1961, my new book with Joshua Abbott, is now available to order. We’ve had some terrific feedback from those who backed the project and have received their copies. I’m really touched by the positive comments, thanks everyone!
The 200 page hardback is a limited edition of just 500 copies with over 300 gone already. Find out more about it and place your order here. This edition of the book will only be available direct from the ADM shop (sorry Amazon Prime members).
02-Mar-22 : Tube Station Update
I just want to send out a huge thank you to everyone who backed The Tube Station book on Kickstarter. Joshua and I are over the moon with the level of interest and support it's received over the last month.
The book will now go to print, and all pledges should be shipping in June at the latest. This will be a limited run of just 500 copies with the remaining copies now available to pre-order direct via Art Deco Magpie.
A note on the title: Following feedback received during the Kickstarter campaign, we have adjusted the title of this book from Tube Station Typologies to Tube Station Anthology. This reflects the sequencing of the book, which is geographical and chronological, rather than by form.
29-Jan-22 : Tube Station Typologies
I’m excited to announce my new book Tube Station Typologies 1924-1961, a collaboration with Joshua Abbott from Modernism in Metroland is live on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.
The book is the culmination of a two-year photographic project documenting the golden age of tube station design, centring on Charles Holden’s work for the Underground. It presents each period of development, Line by Line, with contemporary photos of all 79 surviving stations.
All the key examples have a double-page spread annotated by Joshua. A broader introduction, illustrated with period photos from the London Transport Museum, gives historical context, while a closing chapter lists the demolished examples.
The book will have 200 pages and measure approximately 250mm x 200mm. It will have sewn casebound binding in a hardback cover with white embossed foil text, and will be lithographically printed in the UK. In short, it’s going to be a nice thing!
We are launching crowdfunding to help publish this project with a list of exciting rewards. Follow the link to help bring the book to life.
The campaign will run from January 29th - February 26th.
01-Jan-22 : New Website
Hello! I thought it was about time I updated my website, so here it is, all fresh and shiny for a new year.
The site will not present my whole archive, but will give a flavour of the different projects I’m working on, many of which are ongoing.
This page will serve as an occasional news feed, with recent work and information about any features, publications or exhibitions that may arise.
I’ll leave you with a recent image, the former Lion Hotel on Blackpool Promenade.
