In
a Very English Town by John Comino-James.
Published by Dewi Lewis Ltd; First Edition edition. 2008. ISBN-13:
978-1904587729
Between
July 2007 – June 2008 John Comino-James photographed the streets,
businesses and shopkeepers of the small 
market
town of Thame, in Oxfordshire. The results, along with interviews,
are reproduced within the monograph 'In a Very English Town'. Comino-James
was inspired to make this photographic study his local town after
he was asked by a Cuban friend to show her everyday life in the area.
His series of panoramic photographs are displayed within the book
in a sequence that represents meandering walk through the town. The
project takes the form of a series of portraits, interviews and candid
photographs aimed at documenting everything from the cattle market,
the last still operating in the area, traveling showmen at one of
the two annual fairs and a weekly street market.
The
interviews add enormously to the body of work as they reveal a pride
in the continuation of family
businesses as they face challenges from the increasing impact of the
internet. Rather than the large chains that are encroaching upon many
a town and city, Comino-James largely focuses upon the smaller business
men and women, the tiny stores that still offer a taste of what life
was once like and the personal service one used to be able to enjoy.
In many ways 'In
a Very English Town' is a lament to a lost battle, a way of
life that will soon become extinct.
The
panoramic format of the images works well; often such an aspect ratio
can make the viewer feel distant from the subject but here it serves
to draw one in
and provide an odd sense of comfort. The compositions are thoughtful
and Comino-James
displays a strong sense of humour and warmth within the frame, often
making playful contradictions within the image. His use of reflections
within his compositions, often taking the form of portraits with others
looking in from outside, reminded this reviewer of the work of Lee
Friedlander.
'In
a Very English Town' is published as a 160mm
x 295mm Hardback
book. Within its 168 pages you will find 110 beautifully reproduced
duotone reproductions that do full justice to the photographs.
'In
a Very English Town' is a warm, witty monograph with much to offer;
one that would reward repeated viewings. I can recommend it to all.
Review
by Christopher John Ball
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