Yorkshire Tales- Process Book by Georgina Akeroyd

Yorkshire Tales Process Book Georgina Akeroyd DE1113 Fashion Communications Fashion Communications BA (Hons) Northumbria University

Ideas Breakdown Below are my initial project ideas after brainstorming.

Redefining the True Stereotype

To show the developed world of Yorkshire from the stereotype that is presumed, up to the real day. Focusing on the young and creative areas, people and inspiration.

Working/ Interning

A project on Interning in Yorkshire, this could include; places to intern, interns advice, from creative minds to students, success stories. It could be used as a platform for people to showcase their work or even include a kind of A-Z of new designers/ creative businesses or people in the area.

Guide to Yorkshire

A guide to the southerners about Yorkshire including how we’ve got here. It could include what it used to be like compared to today, Dialect advice and translations, and stories of people something personal. It could include best places to visit and reviews.

Trend

To create an output full with trends in the local area using local materials or displayed in a local way.

Showcasing up and coming artists, interior trends and innovative places in Yorkshire – i.e. ilkley cinema etc.

Look into the creative minds of Yorkshire, go into their creative homes, does the person match the design inside? Does it reflect Yorkshire.

Concept chosen Overall I have selected that I will create an output with a Yorkshire focus, featuring an explanation/ introduction to Yorkshire and history today. Redefining the stereotype and introducing the current culture.

Within this I will look at featuring a guide to ‘southerners’ including a dialect breakdown, also consider Yorkshire tales people want to share.

The target market will focus on Creative minds in Yorkshire typically 20-40. People who are eager to read about other people of similar minds and like to know about people around them. Typically these types of people with be in the creative industry and in the know of similar things like this.

The writing will explore deep and meaningful creative pieces. I’d like to explore poems and create a stereotype journey, from farmers to fashion and so on. Also would like to explore the people within Yorkshire. So the older typical flat cap man to young diverse creative spirit.

Photography will be featuring honest raw imagery, colourful to match the nature of the people. It could explore the famous countryside V’s city living or Iconic history in the buildings of the cities. I will develop these initial thoughts within this process book.

The overall outcome of the project shouldn’t be anything expensive, if it is it won’t fit with the nature of the target market. It should be value for money and accessible, therefore I am considering outputs of a magazine or a website as the best platforms.

Images from Pinterest.com

Names After selecting a Yorkshire concept I think that using a Yorkshire related/dialect word will enhance the theme and give the reader an idea of what is inside.

Chuff – Taken from the work ‘chuffing’ used as a replacement for swearing. Also taken from the word ‘chuffed’ which means proud, varies depending on context and how the word is used.

Yonder – ‘over there’ – Since an element of the project looks at the locations of Yorkshire it is a relevant and distinctive title.

T’Point –

Yorkshire for ‘to the point’ Sums up the concept of Yorkshire people and seems fitting with the stereotype theme.

Yorkshire Tales – Similar play on words to the Yorkshire Dales, a famous piece of land within Yorkshire, and also ‘tale’s’ hints that it explores the people, and comes with stories to be told inside.

Jammy – This translates to the meaning lucky, for example; “you’re so Jammy” ‘Be rate’ – means it will be alright in the end Black bright – the Yorkshire saying relates back to if you were dirty and from coming out of pit covered in black soot. Nice alliteration which I think helps it stand out.

By Gum – Eeh by gum is the same as ‘oh my God’.

My favourite and most relevant names are T’Point, Yonder and Yorkshire Tales.

I have highlighted my preferred above and depending upon the development of the project I will then decide the most appropriate at a later date.

Fonts Taking the concept into consideration I wanted to look into some handwritten fonts.

The title needs to be readable and striking but still fitting with the theme. I personally don’t like it when a full chunk of text is in a handwritten style therefore I want something a fairly regular for the main body of text.

Below are some examples I liked for both types of text.

Title’s

River Drive ... Yonder, T’Point, Yorkshire Tales Yonder, TPoint, Yorkshire Tales Fredericka the Great- Yonder, T’Point, Yorkshire Tales

Rope- Yonder, T’Point, Yorkshire Tales Main body of text fonts: Lora - Yonder, T’Point

Kaya- Yonder , T’Point Cooper Hewit-Yonder, T’Point Imprima - Yonder, T’Point Overall my preferred fonts are; Frederick The Great for the title, this is because of the boldness the font presents, I also like the personal and relate-able handwritten element which is shown through the ‘coloured in’ finish. It holds both components I was looking for in the title. This title font could change depending on the development if the project. If the concept transitions into a more serious feel than originally expected then this might not be as suited.

I also have selected the Kaya font for the main body of text. This font is appealing due to its easy to read nature yet still looks a little decorative and non regular. I feel it is simple enough to be in-keeping with the concept and also interesting enough to draw attention.

Inital Image Inspiration

These are a collection of images which I was drawn towards early on. They all are Yorkshire/nature themed.

I like the close up photographs with the blurry almost misty backgrounds. The colourful tones within the countryside and sunsets really compliment each-other and together create a fitting basis theme.

Images from Pinterest.com

Left Images by Georgina Akeroyd right from www.villagebookstore.co.uk

The Village Bookstore, Leeds On the hunt for some inspiration I took a trip to Leeds to try and develop my vision for the project. In the Corn Exchange at the time was an innovative book shop called the village bookstore. A space for people to go and read similar creative minds work and also purchase them.

They describe themselves as “an independent book store and gallery based in Leeds, UK, specialising in self-published zines from local and international artists. As well as a curated selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography books and magazines from established and independent publishers.� – The Village Bookstore The store was brimming with inspiring creative projects of a similar nature, these then have gone onto progress and direct my project.

An influential book series I came across was the East London Photo Series, a collection of eight books, each with an original perception of East London. All the books are explained in a introduction to set the scene and then the rest is mainly photography with a photographers note alongside. They host a honest nature throughout and consider an alternative view when photographing places creating an authentic finish.

Book 7 is my favourite out of the collections. It looks at Columbia Road’s flower market and visualises the mess left behind, using this to create striking images. Focusing on; the floor, flowers combined with the mornings rain and polystyrene cups, Window reflections and the peoples responses.

The idea behind this series motivated me to recreate something as beautiful for my Yorkshire project, looking at abstract views of everyday things created an honest element that would fit perfectly with my concept and target market.

Images found on Pintrest and wwwhoxtonminipress.com

I have always been a fan of Cereal magazine, I am drawn to it’s simplicity, sleekness and finish. At the bookstore I came across the Cereal Guided magazine collection, a magazine that explains and explores places all around the world, using effortless photography. I felt the concept behind the publication could work for my Yorkshire project. I could exhibit Yorkshire in a similar fashion, representing it in a new creative way it is not typically associated with.

The photography incorporated in the cereal magazines are these white based bright images. These images capture places and buildings in a new light, creating a simple and effective outcome. They use the textures and angles of they buildings to create intriguing imagery.

This is a technique I will try to portray through my photography.

Images found on Pinterest and www. readcereal.com

Images found on Pinterest and Collage Mood board created by Georgina Akeroyd

Creative Output Options Within the project we have been given the opportunity to express our concepts in how we feel would be most appropriate way. In order to progress this project I needs to look at what element would enhance the project in the best way and appeal to the target market the most. Elements I will consider are: cost, availability, target market and effect on bringing project/concept to life.

A Website

If I was to create a website, it’s availability would be a benefit for the consumers as it would be free, however the competition online now due to blogging, I feel would remove some of it’s creative beauty and people would be less entertained.

A Magazine

Originally I was favouring forming a magazine due to its strong relationship with the creative world, however I feel that the concept and theme doesn’t fit to be in a whole magazine and would be perceived better if broken up and sectioned. I could do this within the magazine using different methods of coloured sections etc. but I think there are more suited options for the nature of the project.

A Zine

“Most zines revolve around a music scene of some sort, but others are dedicated to artwork, poetry, cartoons, editorials and short stories. Because zines do not have any sort of corporate backing, they are very rugged, individualized, and much more charismatic than larger, more popular magazines whose content is often dictated by their advertisers.”- UrbanDictionary.com After exploring Zines at the Village bookstore and during lecture sessions I have concluded that I feel the best fit would be a series of Zines. I am inspired by the Hoxton Mini Press photo-book series and believe I can create something intriguing showing other elements of Yorkshire. The playful nature of the zine allows room for the use of a range of emotions and fun elements.

I am going to begin the range with Two zines. The first on focusing on people and the second on the famous landscape and places.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

Layout Inspirations This is a collection of inspirational layouts I have come across within my research. They all carry similar elements which make them appealing and attractive to me as a reader. Simplicity is a running feature throughout all the layouts and is something I am keen to incorporate into mine.

I like the effect of the half cover representing two separate meanings. This could easily be used to represent my context of stereotypes.

The way the images on the left frame the text within the image i think is really effective. I also like the dramatic colour scheme and the vertical text to highlight quotes.

The use of textures within this magazine enhances it’s theme of nature. Using the smaller pages within a full page spread is very creative and adds a feature of fun and mystery, I am eager to try something similar within the Yorkshire themed Zines.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

More Layout Inspirations

I have chosen these layouts because I like the way the photography is enhanced or framed. These particular layouts have inspired me and shown many routes I could play with the layout of the zine.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

Binding Considerations Now I have concluded that I am going begin to make two zines as part of a series, I have been researching binding options for me to consider. In keeping with the target market I am ideally looking for something that is creative, and also fairly cheap. I have already made my mind up that I am going to use a paper that isn’t particularly thick, I believe thick paper would add expense and provide an unnecessary quality that the target market wouldn’t appreciate or in turn pay more for. The main three options I am focusing on are; Hand Stitched- This technique will provide a personal finish, the handicraft will be created though using a local business’ in Leeds. The neat and aesthetically pleasing stitch would contribute to the overall finish and present the zine in a honest nature.

Perfect stitch - This will add a sleek and clean quality to the zine due to the cover hiding the seam. It would be ideal if the zine was large in volume and almost recreates the idea of a book.

Saddle stitched - A popular binding technique for Zines, provides a neat option for smaller zines although wouldn’t be appropriate for larger volume publications as it wouldn’t sit closed properly.

Cover Options After the decision to create two zines I need a method in order to hold them together, therefore I have been investigating the simplest and most visually pleasing methods. Below are some images I came across. The left has a slip on case/ band which holds the zines in place and order. This would act as a box essentially to keep them together but also will allow a space to introduce the Zines and maybe give an overview of what’s to come.

Also the pink half cover I was drawn toward due to its uniqueness, this is definitely something I will look into and try to work into my concept.

Images found Google images and on www.Pinterest.com

Hoxton Mini Press layout Ever since I was introduced to the Hoxton Mini Press at The Village Bookstore I have been inspired by the collection. Elements I from the series I am considering using within my Zines I have highlighted below.

I really like the textured Card hand out which is embossed with metallic gold foil, providing a luxurious element. It explains the photo series and introduces the book about to be read. I like the idea that anyone who picks up part of the collection, regardless what book it is, have an introduction to the publication and the publisher in this case.

The special touches including the metallic foil embossing I feel creates an edge about the book which makes it feel more treasurable, like a gift of to keep forever. I will look into this for my zines covers as I feel that little bit of luxury will go along way in enhancing the value for money I am ideally wanting to create for the consumers.

Another feature in the book is the use of different coloured paper printed on. This creates the illusion the book is split into sections, which in this case is between the writing and imagery. I could do this separating the different topics through the zines or even just each zine separately claiming a colour.

The photography in the photo book explores the reflection of water to create a more deeper and colourful image. This in turn makes the image fascinating. The idea will blend beautifully into the landscape and places to go zine.

Photos taken by Georgina Akeroyd

City Collages The idea of collages using city elements like buildings and reinventing them to create a intriguing image interests me. The idea of being able to tell a story and change the meaning of something through taking it out of context, or showing it in a new way is refreshing. These are a collection of images originally from Pinterest that first inspired me.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

Stephanie Jung -Photographer Jung is a young photographer from Germany who has travelled though many cities recording her journey through photography. She was experimenting in Paris when she wanted to intensify the element of business and hectic-ness of that moment in the city and wanted to reflect it within the image. This is where she began using double exposures and post processing to optimize the images. The finished effect adds a deepened meaning and emotion to the images. I am looking to add a similar emotional connection to my photography.

Images found on Google images and www.Pinterest.com

Giacomo Costa Born in Florence, Italy, Giacomo Costa has been showing work progressively all over the world. Developing his passions into a successful career he is very well known and admired. Giacomo Costa’s research initially began with the study of photography, from mountains to urban landscape he interpreted and recreated a new vision. Some of his urban Landscape images are below.

After his success with the urban he progressed back to the natural environment and started creating series of photos which explained the reclamation of the man made landscape by the natural environment.

I relate to his journey of a natural to urban landscapes, progressing to work with them as an interlinked combination. His more current work predicts possible futures of relationships between the man/man-made life and natural world.

I feel throughout this process I have gone on a similar much smaller ride, Costa has helped direct the visual side of the zine in a more creative technique, expressing imagery in a way that is narrative and effective.

Images available at: http://www.dominikmerschgallery.com/artist/giacomo-costa/

Artist

French for gluing is a blog designed and written by artist Colleen Burner from Kansas City, MO, transplanted to Portland, OR. Alongside this blog she creates Collages, limited originals and also works freelance in creating images that speak a narrative.

What inspired me from these collection of collages was the narrative, taking an element of something and putting it where is isn’t primarily seen tells a story. The main image that drew me in was the Roots image with the landscape reflected as city, I liked the idea and could interpret something of a similar nature within the Zines, the city of Yorkshire V’s the countryside.

Images found on www.society6.com

Landscape creative inspiration

Through looking at abstract photography I came across the coloured enhanced landscape. This combination created a beautiful serene feel about the images. I felt something similar may fit within the Landscape Zine, it would work well in contrast to the natural images I am also planning to create.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

Landscape Collages Looking further into the colour enhanced photography, this could work as an alternative to collaging, creating unique beauty through the hue and colours.

This could show the natural beauty of Yorkshire is enhanced by creativity like the stereotype has developed.

The transition is the same. I want to attempt this with images I from the landscape shoots I take and see if the idea could work.

In order to ensure the reader interprets this narrative, I will look into a piece of writing to go alongside this concept.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

Buildings Photography Inspiration These are an example of the ranges of building photography I have been looking at to fit within the landscape Zine. The idea of photographing the chimney tops creates a real essence of the true beauty of the building.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

City v’s Countryside Collages Developing the idea of comparing the famous Yorkshire countryside with the cities. It shows how the country side is still the roots and at the inspiration of the city an the people in it. The two work hand in hand to create Yorkshire and have helped each other develop equally.

Also the images can inform that the Yorkshire has much more to it than countryside and rolling fields.

These quirky images will send a strong message to reader backing up the concept.

Below are the images that have advanced the original idea,

Identity Collages Within the people Zine I want to redefine the stereotype of Yorkshire folk. These types of images could be used to show the extreme branding Yorkshire people are automatically associated with.

Images found on www.Pinterest.com

Merve Özaslan- Artist Born in Istanbul, graduated from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University as an ceramic artist in 2010. She created “Choke Jungle” brand (co-founder) and started to design ceramic jewellery. The collages below are from Merve’s collection, Natural Act which she has been working on since 2012. “Natural act is composed by several collages based on the questions of the relation between nature and the humanity. It is basically a critical presentation referring to the fact that each of us is part of the nature. it seeks the answer whether greed, urbanization, mechanization and detaching from the nature is favourable or coherent for human or not. In that sense natural act appears with its all colours when our emotions are paralysed in the vital points of the cliché and dull city life.”

This series of collages could work in both the people Zine and Landscape each sending a different narrative but of the same nature. The landscape could exhibit the way in which the countryside works with the cities in Yorkshire. The people about how someone from Yorkshire is singled out and stereotyped when being described. I.e. When someone describes a person by ‘he is a Yorkshire man’ there is an immediate association of the stereotype without consideration of the actual person, they are branded. Whereas, if they were from another area of the country this doesn’t happen and it is a rarity that they would even mention where they are from.

Images found on http://www.merveozaslan.com/#!collections/cfvg

Matt Wisniewski- Artist Matt was Born 1990 in Philadelphia. He now lives between Rochester and New York. When Matt talks about his collages he says that mostly is all about aesthetics. Wisniewski has created a particularly successful iteration by overlaying portraits with organic patterns—from flowers to jagged peaks to a Rorschach blot. He came to the combination through experimentation.

Exploring collaging aspects using identity and nature I came across Matt’s images on a blog. The images also represent another aspect of the landscape consuming the person, similarly to the stereotype I’ve spoken about previously. I prefer the portraits of people out in the street and busy with life in comparison to the studio images. This adds a fresh and intriguing element to the photography.

Images found on https://inspiringartists.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/matt-wisnieski/

Humans Of Leeds In October 2015 SO&SO collaborated with Lamberts Yard who hosted an event at the exhibition Humans of Leeds. The exhibition has been on view since April. Lambert’s yard explain; it is based on the popular Humans of New York philanthropic project, Humans of Leeds is a beautiful representation of the present day culture in Leeds, telling the stories of familiar faces, perfect strangers and unsung heroes of our city.

The photographer who remains anonymous commented “Humans of Leeds is important to me because it provides a creative outlet. I get to connect with people from all walks of life; incredible people I’d never ordinarily meet; whose stories I am privileged to share with a great community of followers. It’s really exciting for me to be able to run my first exhibition at Lambert’s Yard, which is a hugely important heritage site in Leeds.”

I really like the natural and real elements that comes across in the photography and in the stories. It is very relevant and natural characteristic in the majority of Yorkshire people to tell stories that are quite personal.

I think an element of this would work within the zine. It will bring a new element of identities that make up Yorkshire. I may explore into the writing and adapt that to be more story like. Almost like a two-minute snippet out of their lives.

Images found on www.lambertsyard.com and www.facebook.com/humans ofleeds

Portrait Photography I plan to do a shoot with people in a natural way, very similar to street style. No time for them to prepare, it means they have to present themselves as the person they are. I am hoping the results will show through the honesty and directness of the associated nature with the people here. I am looking for a wide range of diverse people to express themselves in photo and exhibit the diversity Yorkshire offers.

These are examples of identity shoots for the people focussed zine, I am considering visiting a range of trades and other shops Yorkshire has to offer and shooting these similar to the images below.

Reflecting on this I’d like to get the opinion of the people I shoot, asking them how they’d describe Yorkshire as a place and the people in it. It will be interesting to see how different the results are from an actual Yorkshire person in comparison to the stereotype.

Images found on Google images

Simon Armitage

Simon Armitage is a renowned writer and poet, originating from Huddersfield, Yorkshire he is known for his Sharp tongue. I looked into and read many of his poems, although it was one of his non fiction books that intrigued me. Walking Home is a book about a journey he went on traveling with a troubadour on the Pennine Way. The book documents the beautiful scenery he faces and the interesting characters he meets in his true Yorkshire man honest way.

Alan Bennett

A Leeds Born writer and actor widely recognised for his well known, expressive Yorkshire accent. His very successful career has utilised his voice to its very best, creating emotive and relateable pieces for his readers.

The elements are key pieces I want to include within my creative writing.

One of my favoured pieces is A Cream Cracker under the settee.

What attracts me to this piece of writing is the emotional roller-coaster Bennett manages to take the reader on. Initially feeling saddened by the incidents and then moving onto the mindset of him and how he feels though this. This element inspired my writing and lead me into looking into how you can transition different emotions though the pieces. It wasn’t until I read the Monologue the second time that I saw the relation between her movement of position physically from comfortable to not representing the change in her life.

Images found on Google Images

Writing plans Looking into ideas for my writing pieces.

People -

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An Instagram news feed/ posts with random people in Yorkshire and a Smallish synopsis of writing captioning them as a person, or a story/ memory they want to share.

A story like piece of a one or a couple of people, either a broad Yorkshire man or maybe a younger creative mind eager to straighten out the stereotype.

A journey similar to Simon Armitage but in a more serious way, to create a deeper sense of emotion and connection with the writing A guide to the language/dialect A piece about the stereotype of a Yorkshire person and associations with the place.

Landscape -

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A letter to someone, place or myself about the beauty of Yorkshire, the overlooked. Also looking into the buildings and architecture.

My personal diary entry including my opinions and the little voice inside my head, the day dream of Yorkshire my hometown I miss.

A guide of places to go that are featured in the zines A review or story of a Yorkshire place I visit, very visually descriptive.

I previously have written a poem for a project with Durham Book Club in association with the Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition at the Bowes Museum. We were asked to create something from our inspirations of the exhibition, I chose the journey of his life. I was pleased with the outcome and enjoyed writing in that style, hence why I have chosen to write a similar piece, on the journey of the Yorkshire man and the attached assumptions.

“Born A Nervous Breakdown” From the beginning: you were different Outcast from society.

Restrained from the freedom of mistakes Bypassing millennial enrichment.

Its effect underestimated.

Distracted by couturier talent Under the Dior armour: your feelings masked.

You see beyond the creative norm: yet are blind to realism Outside your creative capacity you struggle to exist, Leaving your soul decaying.

Designing your fashions like the reality you saw Rich with black.

Fashion your domain Fame your virtue Master of the woman’s body.

Creating your own lines to colour within.

Success in your own hands lead a glimmer of hope Exhibited by colour adorned collections.

A desire to shape the modern woman Emerging ready to wear, ready for life.

A tapestry of art and fashion unveiled your niche Piet Mondrian the inspiration to your first master piece.

For the moment the crumbling of your soul lay dormant Cracks surface in your shell: you stand intoxicated by meaningless fog.

Drawn to the escapism drugs offer Left longing for more The shoulder you rely on slipping.

Withdrawn and ignorant to what you already possess Suffocated in a world watching everyone breathe.

“Fame is the dazzling mourning of happiness”-Pierre Berge If fame reflects success was your happiness the sacrifice?

Your intentions were strong Women attained power Your name lives on, Yves Saint Laurent.

Images created by Georgina Akeroyd

Stereotype Yorkshire has developed like the rest of the country and is a now creative hotspot. The countryside works great as a place to incubate ideas and feel free in fresh air. The ability to be able to step into city life and also step out of it is what is so appealing about Yorkshire and what I miss when I’m not there.

Due to the strong history of regional identity, the population that ‘born and bred’ in Yorkshire, it becomes a vial part of their identity. Almost like they are labelled with special qualities. If a person was from elsewhere their native background is unlikely to be mentioned when they are described..

The Yorkshire stereotype is typically known as;

Tight

Renowned for being frugal with money originally stemmed from the working class miner’s life. This very much was impacted when Margaret thatcher shut down the pits changing the main type of job in the Yorkshire economy. This is when the Yorkshire folk had to learn to be so tight and could only buy things that were value for money.

To the point

The directness derives from the cultures of the historical figures that fought to defend the county. Notorious for honesty the Yorkshire society, still carry a very upright outlook because this is how we have always lived.

Flat Cap, hobnail boots and farmers

This stems from the dominating countryside in comparison to the urban living. With little jobs in the villages available, people turned to the countryside for work. The tweed blazer outfit and boots all were worn due to their durability against physical aspects of work. Since this began as the dominating industry this was the stereotype as the majority of people chose wear this because of its benefits.

Yorkshire Associations Bronte Sisters - from Howarth in Yorkshire

Marks & Spencer Originated in Leeds Kirkgate market.

We all live in a village like Emmerdale. - Not everyone does although some lucky few still do.

All we drink is Yorkshire Tea

Flat cap and hobnail boots - Barely anyone will

wear this now more practical fabrics are worn by the farmers. The tweed blazer is now used as a fashion statement. Farming unfortunately isn’ t Bettys Tea Room founded in Ilkley the main industry in Yorkshire, it was replaced by the industrial revolution between the 18th and 19th century.

Yorkshire Parkin

Yorkshire Rhubarb

Yorkshire Puddings

Images available on: Google images

Tarred Wi’t Same Brush Yorkshire born and bred I am.

Ever since I were young my regional identity lay strong, Mocked for my vowels and teased for my t’s If I visited where I thought I longed t’ be.

Outsiders peer in with a prejudiced opinion; “Where there’s muck there’s brass”, I hear.

Home farms within the broad acres Garlanded with hobnailed boots and tweed; Blazers with a perched flat cap.

Bloody minded, brashly outspoken, frugal But friendly.

Burdened through branding No cattle in sight.

Labelled without meaning Narrow-minded in their Monty python-esque presumptions.

Their opinion lay as a meaningless fog.

Impeding on my terrain.

Us all tarred wi’t same brush Are we really that misconstrued?

Can they not see the beauty behind the cliché as clearly as me?

The bricks and mortar of Yorkshire’s Leeds sit serene, Adorned with Victorian treasures often overlooked.

No fields in sight.

Yet encompassing; A community, broad minded in their outlook A taste of wit, a sound of honesty and a smell of home.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Where the white rose blooms And nurtures a growth of creativity.

Worlds apart from the tarred brush marks.

Flourishing fashions, art and then someThorns daring to pierce pockets of talent.

That thee’er Emily Bronte says “But he who dares not grasp the thorn should never crave the rose” In a county where culture is nourished Stems the seed of our dear Marks and Sparks Dun’t get mi’ wrong Five minutes’ art of tarn.

Freedom beckons beyond the uniformed fields Rolling moors t’ your heart’s content.

Feedin’ the imagination and incubating ideas.

Leaving t’ stereotype. Wi’ flat cap an’ all Redefining trademarks.

Imprinting with intent.

A humble beginning of Gods’ own country Like waiting for t’ fog t’ lift, The truth lay open and exposed Tarred for t’ last time.

Howarth In order to research and get a fresh feel and experience of true Yorkshire I took a trip to Howarth the home of the famous writers the Bronte sisters. Below is a collection of some of the photographs I took.

Throughout the afternoon I met a selection of interesting characters however, I was taken back by a gentleman I met at the craft fair. Greeted at his stall he immediately began sharing a story, explaining how he is where he is today. He was such a heart-warming character full of wit and fitted the classic stereotype, yet he had an open-minded outlook and was excited by anything creative, he encompassed all the positive characteristics of the old stereotype mixed in with the new culture. He inspired my second piece of writing.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Let Me Introduce You to Barry Bell The icy November sun pierced the day-glo stained glass window, tinting the traditional, sooty stone high-street. From family outings to elderly couples strolling up and down the puce cobbles. Haworth village is out to play.

Walking up the vertically sloped avenue, the renowned moors peak over the Yorkshire slate rooftops. The luscious rolling hills, their greens muted by the falling rain. A traditional steam-train chugs by, churning out an endless white cloud of steam veiling the view. The Black Bull bustled, an excuse for shelter from the wetting rain. A whispered spice of parkin in the air. An undertone of muffled conversation, accompanying the mellifluous brass band, ringing in the soul of the village.

The old school assembly rooms were brimming with people. Fringing this typically rectangular space, enclosing the weekly craft market and concealed by a chaotic tea room placed in the centre, with cake stands reminiscent of Calendar Girls.

“Ey’up pet, Y’alreet?“ A petite man, with raised brows and a neighbourly smirk, he angelically awaited acknowledgement.

“A se’, you’ll never guess what? This ‘ere flat cap ‘av got on.” Blue eyes wide with fervour peer over, inviting a response. Each line of wisdom full with life, his cheeks drawn and his hand pointing to his head. “A thought it wa’ grey yano. Grey! A cem ‘ere today n’ all I’ve got is stick since I stepped through that thee’er chuffin’ door“.

Grinning with anticipation, he continued.

“Pink! A sed ‘it’s not pink’ I thought they were having mi’ leg at first”. He shared an infectious titter.

“A gus ‘it’s grey look, Shirley bought it us’. But they insisted it wa’ pink. A thought “al have her bloody guts for garters.” Ya see I’m colour blind ant a? She never mentioned it wa chuffin’ pink.”

Coaxed towards him, him, his dress captivating; eccentric black corduroy jeans, teamed with a checked waistcoat, layered on top of his midnight blue stripy shirt and a pale neckerchief to finish. Radiating a tantalizing charm, his efforts unmistakable.

“A med em all mi’sen a did, 72 I am.” He divulged proudly with hand gestures to match. “Got fed up of watching that thee’er box every night. A said t’ mi better ‘alf, Shirley. A can’t be doing this for rest of mi life, a can’t. So as somer’t t’ do after mi tea, for an hour or so, a started carving wood like this.” To the right of him was a stall covered in a white linen cloth adorned with wooden, hand sculpted boxes. Shades of brown; maple, mahogany, fawn, greige, umb… “All local wood though, that’s how I started“, interrupting our admiration.

“A wanted t’ do somert’ that reflected me. Somert reliable n’ consistent. Warm too. N’ from’t heart. All from God’s own country, beautiful in’t it?“ His worked leathery hands sentimentally stroked the chiselled bow on top of the trinket box.

“A used to be in’t orthopaedic unit ya see. Working wi’t all’t joints. Made mi good wi’t mi hands. Keeps mi brain and eyes stimulated ya see, or so a thought.

No wisecracks from ya either ab’art mi eyes before ya start, a know what you young un’s are like!“.

Pun intended

“It’s changed over t’ years tho. The wont as many chances like they are today tha Kno’s, Ya see Leeds is full of art ‘n’ crafts ‘n’ stuff like that. The tools just wan’t thee’re before. Non o’ that t’internet ‘n’ wirey stuff or owt, saying that a self taught mis’en this without it.” Pausing for thought, he frowns, you can almost see the cogs turning. “Listen e’a love, If tha does owt for nowt, do it for thissen. That way you’ll always love what ya do n that’s what’s important” He nodded then went on content with his day.

Barry Bell stood all day neighbourly welcoming every soul. Unacknowledged yet undefeated from those who misunderstood his intentions; scrutinized as ‘uncomfortably over-friendly’, almost senseless to consideration.

“There’s now’t so queer as folk.”

Behind the Yorkshire armour; an endearing spirit.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

4th September 2015 London Kings Cross: 11:05am

After a lengthy wait, buried deep in a sea of impatient humans. A gust of wind announces the arrival of the train. We both release a deep sigh as it halted to a stop. A sigh of satisfaction, combined with my unfathomable anxiety, eases with my ticket out of this gloomy place, now the train is in sight.

We all hoard onto the train. Thank God I booked my seat, my subconscious can’t help but feel smartly smug.

Finally, after the routine battle, I’m seated on the jam-packed train; strangers to my left and window to my right. We set off immediately. The window is translucent much to my confusion. Is it the soiled air clouding my vision? All I can see is a plethora of grey, secluded and disappointing.

I set myself up on the shared table in front; MacBook, phone and today’s treat, my Grande caramel mac, after all I deserve it. It tastes predominantly sweet either that or I’m still feeling particularly sour. I struggle to focus, irritated as the carriage hums with tapping keyboards. Unsettled and frustrated, the guy across from me fidgets. I try to catch his eye and offer a smile, we both could do with, but he choses to ignores it. The fire, in the pit of my stomach deepens. Why are people so hostile here? You’d think I’d be used to it by now.

Peterborough

First stop, two more to go! Uniformed bodies depart the train. The mardy mood noticeably lifts. I can actually see the other side of the carriage now. Who’s left then? Some women, clearly returning from a city break, still gossiping, high-pitched and annoying, veiling lingering hangovers. An odd worn-out, mature man stealing a snooze in a rhythmic fashion. I spot the ticket guard approaching. My natural gut goes to wake the dozing fella. Wait! What if he’s offended? My conscience questioning my natural instinct. I conclude it’s best to keep myself to myself. What have I become?

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Doncaster

A breeze from the open doorway breaks my daze, I breathe in a wholesome breath, my insides sense a purified gasp. It’s been forever since I felt that crisp chill tingle to my teeth, captivating my mouth. The smoggy windows have subsided, perfectly timed, revealing a green ocean. The air seamlessly cleanses the trains exterior as we reach the north.

My mind mesmerised. Yorkshire stone walls framing the rolling hills, they appear greener than I remember.

Crowded autumnal treetops clustering together, swaying to the sweet brisk wind. Each mile closer we travel towards Yorkshire, the plainer it becomes, home is where my heart is.

Leeds: 13:16pm

I see the remnants of industrial chimney tops against the backdrop. Connecting sentiment with the tall Victorian turrets and painted trims. We slow as we arrive into Leeds. My muscles ache with fatigue, in tatters from the tense summer strain. Surrounded by native soil, they are freed in relief. I march off the train with pride. Greeted with a smile from a stranger waiting with train etiquette to board “Y’alright love”.

That clarification was enough.

With a smile and some soul, I’ve decided you can keep your frenzied and disengaged life.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Market Shoot Inspired from Hoxton Mini Press’ Columbia Road, I tried to recreate a similar element in Yorkshire. Originally I went to the Kirkstall Market here are a few of the shots unedited.

Market Shoot edits

This was my first shoot attempt to recreate some similar scenes of the Columbia Road Photo book. I used flowers from the market and then went to the outdoor area to experiment. Indoors was too clean to be able to capture many shots. The best of the shots I have edited and shown over the next couple of pages.

I really like the images including the worn road markings and I also want to experiment more with the reflections of the flowers and rubbish in the puddles of water.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Market Shoot edits

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Market Shoot edits Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

I feel some of the images don’t tell the narrative of walking thought the market as clear as I anticipated, therefore I will re-shoot these. The food market section lacked in rubbish due to health and safety of the indoor market. I will look into and visit and outdoor market where I can attempt to create some more images to go along side these.

To edit the images I have increased the contrast and brightness as wanted the images to be full of colour and texture.

Landscape Shoot

Some images from my landscape shoot in Ilkley The weather was particularly misty and is shown in the images, due to this not all of the images are usable. Although sometime they created a really effective finish.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Landscape Shoot Edits

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Landscape Shoot Edits

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Landscape Shoot Edits

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Ilkley Village Shoot

In this shoot I wanted to capture the hills peering over the chimney tops, similar effects to the Cereal magazine images.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Ilkley Village Shoot Edits

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Leeds City Buildings Shoot

I went round collecting images of iconic buildings in Leeds in order to attempt to recreate some collages and collect some interesting textures.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

City Image Edits

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Leeds Buildings Collage

City v’s Landscape Collages

These are the first of the series of images that explain the relationship between the city and Landscape in Yorkshire. I’m happy with the outcome of these reflective images and the message is strong and explains itself.

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

City v’s Landscape Collages

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

City v’s Landscape Collages

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

City v’s Landscape Collages

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

Coloured Landscape visuals

Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

After being inspired by the beauty of the colour enhanced landscape. I have recreated my own below, the overall outcome I am impressed by and I believe creates a striking effect. The message I am wanting to portray is that Yorkshire has creatively developed and is an inspiring beautiful place with lots of overlooked elements.

Identity Collages Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

This is the first of the identity collages I have created. I am looking to create some more collages of a similar nature to run along side. I have experimented with the colourings and I prefer the vintage black and white look. The Yorkshire countryside visually looks like its representing his soul.

Identity Collages Photography by Georgina Akeroyd

I am pleased with the way this collage has turned out. I am now looking to take some more images of trades and craftsmen in their workplace to try and create some more images like this, and create it into a series of images to put within the people zine.

Georgina Akeroyd

Fashion Communications BA (Hons) Northumbria University