GOST Publishers has announced the release of "Mutiny," a compelling new photography book by Merlin Daleman that captures the stark economic and social divisions across Britain's northern regions. The publication showcases Daleman's extensive photographic journey through over 60 towns and cities, documenting the aftermath of industrial decline and the communities left behind by economic prosperity.
"After my departure many years ago, I returned to a country frozen in time. While London prospered, the communities of the economic North were left behind. Towns once populated with factories were overrun with food banks, hair salons, and fading hopes," Daleman reflects in his artist statement. His observations capture the essence of a photographer returning to familiar territory with the fresh perspective of an outsider.
In 2017, photographer Merlin Daleman, originally from the West Midlands but having spent most of his adult life in the Netherlands, embarked on an ambitious project to understand the divisions within the United Kingdom that were highlighted by the 2016 Brexit referendum. Driven by curiosity about his homeland's fractured state, Daleman returned to photography as his medium of exploration. His journey took him through more than 60 locations, spanning from Aberdeen to Bangor, Blackpool to Belfast, and from Fife to Skegness.
The photographs in "Mutiny" present Daleman as an observant wanderer, moving through streets on foot with speed and discretion. His images reveal urban infrastructure in various states of decay and adaptation, featuring boarded-up storefronts, rain-soaked streets, industrial canals, and bustling seaside shops. Despite the challenging economic circumstances, the people captured in his photographs often display remarkable humor, warmth, courage, and community spirit.
"My images tell the story of a divided Britain. The towns that voted for Brexit in 2016 have, in my opinion, defied a system that ignored them. This is the Britain that London often forgets," Daleman explains. "I seek to reflect the frustration and resilience of those who have been left behind, highlighting the social and economic fractures that challenge the idea of a 'united' United Kingdom. I strive to tell the story of a divided nation, and a story of resilience."
The book, published by GOST, features an essay by Niels Posthumus and spans 256 pages with 123 images. The standard edition measures 271 x 199mm and is available with ISBN 978-1-915423-90-0, priced at £45, €55, or $60. The publication serves as both an artistic documentation and a social commentary on contemporary Britain's economic disparities and their human impact.
