"In 1869 my great grandfather Thomas Welch was 21 years old and an Ordinary Seaman in The Royal Navy. He was
on shore leave in Hamilton, Bermuda, and like many sailors (then as now), had money to spend on various
distractions. He walked into a photographic studio, and for six pence (about a day's pay) had his picture taken,
proudly dressed in his naval uniform. The photograph is now in the care of my cousin, and it (being the earliest
picture of a family member), is one of our most precious possessions.
I began taking photographs at the tender age of
thirteen in 1967, with a Kodak Box Brownie
Camera given to me by an aunt. I only took one
roll of film, just twelve pictures of a family
holiday in Sidmouth and Weston Super Mare.
I
took no more photographs until 1974, when I
found myself in Art School learning
photography as part of my course. My tutor was
Mark Edwards, one of the leading
photojournalists of the day.
The basic premise
was that photography was an art form, only to
be fully mastered by those with a professional
training, and a huge amount of technical
knowledge. Generally speaking anything that
was simple to achieve was frowned upon.
An
example of this was the camera with a built in
light meter, which had just been introduced. It
was very convenient, but we were told, wasn't
accurate enough for good exposures. So we
were taught to use the hand held exposure
meter.
For those of you who don't know, this
was a device similar to that used today by
cricket umpires to measure light levels,
combined with a complicated slide rule for determining exposures for all types of films and light conditions. Its use
wasn't at all straightforward, you could choose between "zone or "spot" metering, depending on the subject and
desired effects. As for "Auto Focus" (which arrived several years later) we all agreed that this was just a gimmick,
suitable only for amateur snappers, and would never really catch on with serious photographers.
For the next few decades, I concentrated on Painting as a vehicle for my creative urges. Photography very
much took a back seat, until that is the summer of 2002, when I bought my first Digital Camera. I was amazed at
this new medium.
The camera was tiny by comparison to my old film camera, which meant that I could carry it
around with me at all times and never miss a shot. Its memory card took stored over 300 shots (as opposed to 36 in
a film camera), so I could adopt the "machine gun" approach to picture taking, selecting only the best shots later.
Then there was the computer software for image manipulation. What would have taken hours to achieve in the
darkroom, could now be done in minutes; it being possible to lighten, darken, and alter the contrast and colours of
a picture, with a few clicks of the mouse.
Finally there was the quality of the images themselves, they were far
sharper, with more naturalistic colours and contrast control, than any of my previous film pictures.
Despite all the technological improvements over the decades, the appeal of the photograph is quintessentially the
same as it was for my great grandfather back in 1869. It is a peerless means of recording reality and has an
unequalled ability to freeze a moment in time forever. People often say to me "Your photographs will be very
interesting in years to come." I'm well aware of this, but really see it as my job to produce images which are of value
and interest now!
On the 8th and 9th of February 2007, we had heavy snow. The town looked lovely, so I
(like a lot of people) went out with my camera and took loads of photographs. I was
very pleased with the results and it dawned on me that I had a collection of pictures
which could be built upon.
Before I knew it I'd begun photographing people (Sue Hiley
Harris and John Skidmore were amongst the first), followed by an event (Brecon Fair at
the beginning of May).
I began to enjoy all of this very much, but also realised that I'd
embarked (somewhat unwittingly) on an interesting project with no funding, planning
or overall strategy! However I believe that every interesting town should have its
chronicler, and as my friend the artist Roy Powell told me, I (it seemed) was the man for
the job! In hindsight, had I then realised the struggles I would later have in self
publishing this book, I don't think I would have continued!
By the end of May I had an interesting set of photographs, to which I began adding
written text. I've never considered myself to be anything other than a very average
writer (nor has any one else) so I looked around for local people, better writers than me
to contribute essays and poems.
To this end, I attended the first of many meetings of
the Brecon Literary Group and asked if members would like to contribute poems and
essays inspired by my pictures. I explained that I couldn't pay any one for their work, or
even guarantee that it would ever be published. To their great credit (and to my
surprise) nearly everyone wrote something, with about fifty submissions eventually
handed in.
Almost without exception, wherever I went for help, people have generously given
me their time and cooperation in so many ways, many of which would not be
immediately evident to the general reader.
The photographs of people for
instance may look like candid snapshots, but often they've taken much planning beforehand. Likewise to gain access to some of the locations I've used has
meant that many people have had to put themselves out.
As for the
written monologues, those involved have put in a fair bit of work, not only by being
interviewed, but also checking, proof reading and making changes to their own pieces.
I've not tried to produce an all encompassing documentary record of every aspect
of Brecon life. To do this would need resources, in terms of commitment, time and
money, far beyond that of just one person.
I think rather this book should be seen as a
kind of ad hoc visual diary; of events as they happened and the interesting people I've
met during the course of its production. I realise that there are many glaring omissions,
so I have called this book "A Brecon Revealed" indicating that what I've made, is just
one of many possible perspectives. I look forward to a future occasion when someone
else might produce something similar about the town, but from their own
viewpoint..."
To find out about getting a cd, or a copy of the book which is published in May 2008, please visit the bookshops of Brecon or contact Peevish Bee Books, 43 The Struet, Brecon.
Article by Huw Parsons
What about your Brecon?
your comments
If you are under 16 please do not disclose your surname.
We try to publish as many comments as we can but unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that all comments submitted will be published
Kathryn Powell, Llanspyddid
The book had and still does have a buzz element around the town of Brecon. People still come up to me and mention the book a year later. It is a great present to give and receive.Keep up the photos Huw.
Thu Jun 25 20:32:19 2009
Gareth Wynn from Brecon:
Huw's Book, Brilliant! Cash from Chaos - very punk.............
Thu May 8 17:10:49 2008
Phil Pashley, Poet, Brecon
My response to Huw's Book,(A Brecon Revealed) is by way of - a Performance Poem titled "Brecon Revisited", Beautiful Book, Romantic Recollections, Eventful - Everlasting, Colourful Characters, Old Offerings, Nostalga - Newcomers, Rich Record, Enchanting Entertaining, Vivid - Vibrant, Interesting Individuals, Seasonal Slots, Incredible Images, Town Targetter, Embracing Exercise, Definitive Diary.
Fri May 2 16:57:18 2008
Patricia Morgan, Hay-on-Wye
I used to go to Brecon to visiting my lovely friends and go to jumble sales. The appeal of these fabulous photos for me are that it makes our ordinary lives look less ordinary; times to be treasured
Wed Apr 30 09:28:47 2008
Jan Price, poet on tour, Aberdare
A wonderful book and thanks for including my poems I can hardly wait for the launch...Jan
Thu Mar 6 09:59:55 2008
Mrs Rosemary Evans, Town Councillor and Mayor of B
Congratulations Huw on your project. I have been pleased to welcome you at the Mayoral events throughout the year and to have copies of the fantastic photographs you have taken.Have you thought about a calendar of the Town?
Fri Feb 29 10:29:47 2008
Sue Spalding Brecon
Congratulations Huw, I understand that your book is finally to be published. Well done.
Fri Feb 29 09:27:37 2008
Pam Morgan, Librarian, Coleg Powys, Brecon
Fab photographs - interesting and quirky. I hope it turns into a proper printed book. It will make a great gift.
Mon Feb 25 08:16:14 2008
Haryanti Stuart, Brecon
The whole thing is just fascinating - I love the photographs.
Mon Feb 25 08:15:43 2008
Cathey Morgan, Theatr Brycheiniog
Its a fascinating insight into Brecon past and present, with wonderful and original photographs of people, places and events. It really is a definitive insight into the town and what makes it tick!
Mon Feb 25 08:15:27 2008
Eva Bredsdorff, Curator, Brecknock Museum
I'm very impressed with the wonderful photographs, plus the meticulous research and sheer hard work that has produced this important piece of local history.
Mon Feb 25 08:14:51 2008
Nigel Evans, Brecon Guitars
Brecon and its people caught on camera - brilliantly
Mon Feb 25 08:14:43 2008
Jim Smith, Festival Director, HSBC Brecon Jazz
The book looks terrific - what a tremendous contribution to the community. I particularly like the seasonal photographs of the town, with some stunning views. With its vast array of local characters, the book reflects all that's special about a market town like Brecon.
Fri Feb 22 17:05:16 2008
Beryl Gibson, London
What really sruck me about Huw's book is the wonderful rich mix of tradition and style, heritage and life that the town possesses. I grew up here and at the age of 18 was desperate to leave for the bright lights of london. Now older and wiser I'm looking to keep in touch with my roots, realsing my real home is still Brecon - something I'm very proud of. Reading through the book I can honestly say I felt a bit tearful at times! I'm sure it will become the town's ambassador for locals and visitors alike - congratulations........
Fri Feb 22 16:46:23 2008
Catrin Slater, Festival Administrator, HSBC Brecon Jazz
I think its a wonderful book which captures the unique character of Brecon and brings into focus the many personalities who drive this thriving community. From HSBC Brecon Jazz to Brecon Show, the snapshots, both literal and pictorial, are full of human warmth and interest.
Fri Feb 22 16:46:17 2008
Charlotte Barratt from Brecon
I have thoroughly enjoyed the artistry of a Huw's-eye view of Brecon and am grateful for the inspiration of his brief to the poetry group. Thanks to Huw for his generosity throughout this project.
Sat Feb 16 16:46:32 2008
Sabrina Deiacobis, Trecastle
I met Huw the first time duringone of my first farmers' market, when he told me about his project and asked to take a picture. I really thought he had a great idea, because it looks like Brecon is a place where there is a lot of interesting story going on, and he found a very nice way of presenting them. I'm sure he'll soon publish it for the pleasure of those people who love Brecon and what's part of it. Such a small place with so much going on!
Wed Feb 13 11:25:36 2008
Kathryn Roberts, Brecon
As a newcomer to living in Brecon I find Huw Parsons book 9viewed on CD)is informative, enthusiastic and a hugely positve account of our lovely town. Great to see someone who cares so much about the social history of Brecon. This project is just the type of endevour that needs support and encouragement. Can we pre order the printed version?
Mon Feb 11 14:57:52 2008
Angela Williams, Westenders, Brecon
We first met Huw at the Brecon Xmas Fayre November 2007. Members of our Amateur Dramatic Group were dressed in Pantomime costume collecting for the Town Mayor's Charities which is always great fun. He asked if he could take our photograph for inclusion in his book and we were delighted to oblige. After that, I met Huw to give him a brief history of The Westenders which has been formed 60years this year, and also explain my involvement with the group. Having seen what he had produced, I believe it is a marvellous account of Brecon and it's people and will be a wonderful archive. I hope he will be successful in getting it to print...
Mon Feb 11 12:56:52 2008
Pam Morgan, Brecon
Fab photographs - interesting and quirky. Hope it will turn into a book - it would make a great gift.
Mon Feb 11 10:37:00 2008
Clive from Bristol
Shakespeares on the internet,you bet! Huw Parsons book CD,you see The way to go. Caxton would have been proud.
Sun Feb 10 22:04:42 2008
David Allen Brecon
Well done Huw,You have worked hard on this project and its nice to see your work bearing the fruits of your labour.
Fri Feb 8 16:10:26 2008
Sue Spalding, Brecon
Congratulations Huw on putting the whole project together. It's taken much time, effert and commitment on your part, but is well worth it. It's full of great photos and characters (I have to say that 'cos I'm one of them!) I hope you find a publisher who recognises a good thing when he sees it.
Fri Feb 8 14:01:51 2008
Deborah Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn
‘A Brecon Revealed’ is a fascinating publication combining the photographic talents of Huw Parsons and the storytellers and poets of Brecon. It offers a thought provoking insight into both the everyday and the more unusual aspects of life in this cultured market town.“On the outer walls of Brecon there stood a photographer with an unrivalled ability to capture the interior heart of the town”
Sincere congratulations to Huw on this magnificent archive, well worth the purchase.
Thu Feb 7 16:52:42 2008
What do you think of Huw's project? Have you worked on something similar? Send us your comments.
