Northern Soul John Bulmer’s images of life and Times in the 1960s

06/01/2010 The forthcoming special exhibition at the National Coal Mining Museum for England is of work by renowned photojournalist, John Bulmer. The exhibition is entitled ‘Northern Soul - John Bulmer’s images of life and Times in the 1960s’. It will be open from Monday 25 January 2010 and will run for 16 weeks.

A pioneer of colour photography during the 1960s, Bulmer’s work was included in the very first colour supplement launched by the Sunday Times. Inspired by the Times Special Issue entitled ‘The North’, the exhibition includes specially reprinted work from this influential story.

From the early sixties John Bulmer travelled across the north of England recording everyday life in its industrial centres. In 1964 The Sunday Times commissioned a whole issue entitled ‘The North’. What is exceptional about most of this work is the decision to use colour. In a recent interview Bulmer recalls, “It didn’t occur to anyone to take the north of England in colour – that was considered a black and white subject.” Colour photographs were usually taken on bright sunny days or in the studio, and Bulmer deliberately worked in the fog or sombre light of winter.

The result was Bulmer’s own perspective on life in the north. Anyone with memories of the 1960s can identify with these images. Together they reveal an area on the verge of change, which has seen it move from one of the largest industrial centres to a culturally rich and diverse region.

Rosemary Preece, Curatorial Director at the Museum commented ‘We are delighted to be able to show John Bulmer’s evocative images, which contrast black and white gritty realism with the sensitive use of colour. This exhibition will strike a chord with many.’

The special exhibition will run from 25 January 2010 until 25 April 2010, free admission into the exhibition and to the Museum.


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