Explore the Archive: Britain in the 1970/80s Collection
To coincide with Peter Mitchell's Nothing Lasts Forever explore past exhibitions showcasing Britain in the 1970s and 1980s.
Peter Mitchell, born in 1943 in Manchester, England, is a leading figure in British documentary photography, particularly for his pioneering use of colour photography in the 1970s and 1980s. His work offers an intimate portrayal of urban landscapes, capturing the essence of Leeds – a city he has called home for over four decades.
Early life and education
Mitchell's formative years were spent in Catford, south east London, after his family moved there from Manchester shortly after he was born. From a young age, he loved to collect and document the world around him - habits that would later influence his photography. At 16, he began training as a cartographic draughtsman with the civil service, honing skills in architectural mapping and drawing. This technical background laid the foundation for his meticulous approach to photography. Seeking creative growth, Mitchell studied at Hornsey College of Art in London, where his interests in photography and typography flourished.
I had always believed a photograph could be as powerful as a painting.
- Peter Mitchell
In the early 1970s, Mitchell moved to Leeds to look for work and a lifelong connection with the city began. He initially worked as a truck driver, a job that allowed him to travel across Leeds. During his daily commutes, he began photographing factories, small shops, and everyday scenes, capturing the city's character during a period of significant change.
Max Babbin, Vulcan Street, Leeds, 1979. From the series A New Refutation of the Viking 4 Space Mission © Peter Mitchell
Pioneering colour photography
Mitchell's approach to photography was groundbreaking, particularly his use of colour during an era dominated by black-and-white imagery. His landmark exhibition, "A New Refutation of the Viking 4 Space Mission," held at Impressions Gallery in York in 1979, was the first colour photography show by a British photographer in a British photography gallery. His images of Leeds in dialogue with space charts and photographs from NASA's Viking 4 mission, imagined a unique perspective of an alien observing England. This imaginative narrative highlighted the ordinariness of everyday urban life, encouraging viewers to see their familiar surroundings in a new light.
Documenting urban transformation
Sometimes, I’d see something and think ‘I’ll come back when it’s not raining.’ Then I’d go back, and it had been knocked down.
- Peter Mitchell
Throughout his career, Mitchell has been a dedicated chronicler of Leeds, focusing on its people, architecture, and the inevitable changes brought by time. He has always been fascinated by ‘the glory of the wreckage’. His series "Memento Mori" documents the demolition of the Quarry Hill Flats, once the largest social housing complex in the UK. Mitchell captured the essence of a community facing displacement, preserving the memory of a vanishing world. His photographs serve as both artistic expressions and historical records, reflecting the socio-economic shifts in urban England.
Artistic philosophy and style
Mitchell describes himself as "a man of the pavement," emphasising his commitment to street-level perspectives and everyday subjects. His work is characterised by a deep warmth and empathy for his subjects, whether they are buildings, shopkeepers, or scarecrows. He believes that "photography is all about coincidences," capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. This philosophy shows in his portraits of scarecrows, who he has described as his friends.
Peter Mitchell, Priestly House, Quarry Hill Flats, 1978 © Peter Mitchell
Continued influence and recent works
Mitchell's publications, including "Strangely Familiar" (2013) and "Some Thing Means Everything to Somebody" (2015), compile decades of his work, offering insights into his unique storytelling abilities. These collections juxtapose images of urban landscapes with personal memorabilia and ephemera across years of collecting, creating narratives that resonate with both local and broader audiences.
Over the years, Mitchell's work has gained recognition and has been featured in major survey exhibitions across the UK, including at Tate Britain and the National Science and Media Museum. His photographs are part of permanent collections such as the Royal Photographic Society and Leeds Art Gallery. He has been instrumental in shaping contemporary documentary photography, particularly in highlighting the significance of colour in capturing everyday life.
Peter Mitchell's photography offers a poignant commentary on the passage of time, urban development, and the stories embedded within cityscapes. His work invites us to contemplate the transient nature of our changing world and the narratives that unfold, reminding us that, indeed, nothing lasts forever.
Visit the exhibition, Peter Mitchell: Nothing Lasts Forever from 7 March until 15 June 2024. Book tickets here.
