British documentarian Daniel Meadows has created a remarkable photographic time capsule that captures both personal transformation and societal change across Britain. His exhibition "Daniel Meadows: Now and Then," currently showcased at Oxford's prestigious Bodleian Libraries, features an extraordinary collection of portrait pairs documenting the same individuals photographed 25 years apart.
The unique exhibition centers around Meadows' groundbreaking "Free Photographic Omnibus" project, which he launched in the 1970s. As a Gloucestershire-born photographer, Meadows traveled across Britain setting up complimentary portrait studios in various communities, offering free photography sessions to complete strangers. This ambitious undertaking would eventually become some of his most celebrated work and has made significant contributions to contemporary documentary photography.
"Now and Then" presents 34 carefully curated photographs arranged as compelling before-and-after pairs. The subjects include children, adults, couples, families, and friends who were first photographed in the 1970s and then reconnected with and photographed again in the 1990s. Among the featured subjects are Ken Emery and Ed Murphy, friends from Southampton captured in 1974 and 2000; the Brasher sisters, Lyn and Stella, photographed between 1974-1999; and twin brothers Michael and Peter McParland from Barrow-in-Furness, documented in 1974 and 1995.
The exhibition goes far beyond a simple study of aging, serving as a visual chronicle of Britain's social transformation over nearly three decades. The photographs capture changing fashion, hairstyles, attitudes, and social dynamics while revealing how ordinary British citizens evolved alongside their rapidly changing society. As stated in the exhibition's press release, "These photographs—children, adults, couples captured in the 1970s and again in the 1990s—along with their many connected stories, have made a very important contribution to documentary journalism in our lifetime."
Meadows has built his reputation on his exceptional ability to find and capture the extraordinary aspects of ordinary life. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of British culture and society, making him a pivotal figure not just in contemporary photography but in documenting British social history. The Free Photographic Omnibus project exemplifies this talent, as Meadows created intimate portraits of everyday people that would later serve as invaluable historical documents.
Richard Ovenden, Bodley's Librarian, emphasized the significance of this collection, stating, "Daniel Meadows: Now and Then provides Daniel's unique perspective on British society in recent decades. We are truly honored to have been gifted his archive which will be a major resource for scholars, and an inspiration for photographers." The Bodleian Libraries' acquisition of Meadows' complete archive ensures that this important documentation of British life will be preserved for future generations of researchers and photography enthusiasts.
The exhibition not only serves as a comprehensive retrospective of Meadows' influential career but also functions as an invaluable cultural artifact. Visitors can observe how individuals have changed over the decades while simultaneously witnessing the broader transformation of British society through fashion, social attitudes, and cultural shifts reflected in these intimate portraits.
"Daniel Meadows: Now and Then" was displayed at the Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries Oxford, from October 4 through November 24, 2019. The exhibition represents a must-see opportunity for photography enthusiasts, social historians, and anyone interested in understanding how both individuals and society evolve over time through the powerful medium of documentary photography.
