Publisher GOST has released "Mutiny," a powerful new photography book by Merlin Daleman that documents the stark economic divisions across Britain's industrial heartland. The book presents a compelling visual narrative of communities left behind by economic progress, contrasting the prosperity of London with the decline experienced in England's economic north.
Daleman, originally from the West Midlands but residing in the Netherlands for most of his adult life, returned to his homeland in 2017 with the fresh perspective of an outsider. His journey was motivated by a desire to understand the deep divisions within the UK that became starkly apparent during the 2016 Brexit referendum. "After leaving many years ago I returned to find a country frozen in time. Whilst London had flourished the communities of the economic north were left behind. Cities once full of factories were filled with foodbanks, barbershops and fading hopes," Daleman reflected on his observations.
The photographer embarked on an extensive documentation project, traveling through more than 60 towns and cities across the economic north of the UK. His journey took him from Aberdeen to Bangor, from Blackpool to Belfast, and from Fife to Skegness. Moving quickly and unobtrusively on foot through the streets, Daleman captured the urban landscape with the keen eye of an observer, documenting both the physical infrastructure and the human stories within these communities.
The resulting photographs present a complex portrait of post-industrial Britain, featuring images of boarded-up storefronts, rain-soaked streets, canals, and bright seafront businesses. Despite the challenging economic circumstances, Daleman's lens also captured the resilience and character of the local populations. The people featured in his photographs demonstrate remarkable humor, warmth, fortitude, and community spirit in the face of adversity.
"My images tell the story of a fractured Britain. The towns and cities that voted for Brexit in 2016 were in my view an act of defiance against a system that ignored them. This is the Britain that London often forgets," Daleman explained about his work's deeper meaning. He emphasized that his photography seeks to reflect both the frustration and resilience of communities that have been economically marginalized, highlighting the social and economic fractures that challenge the concept of a truly united United Kingdom.
The book represents Daleman's effort to tell a dual narrative - one of division and one of resilience. His work shines a light on communities whose voices and experiences are often overlooked in national discourse, particularly those whose Brexit votes were interpreted as acts of rebellion against perceived governmental neglect.
"Mutiny" is published by GOST and includes an essay by Niels Posthumus. The standard edition features 123 images across 256 pages in a 271 x 199mm format. The book is available with ISBN 978-1-915423-90-0 and can be purchased through GOST's online platform, offering readers an intimate look at the social and economic realities facing Britain's post-industrial communities.
