THE HUMPHREY SPENDER JOHN MARRIOTT SCHOLARSHIP FOR SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Spender archive of photographs from Mass Observation's Work Town project is regarded internationally as one of the most important archives in the development of British documentary photography. As part of the University of Bolton and Bolton Council's initiative to develop a research centre based around the Spender archive, the University is proud to announce the launch of the Humphrey Spender John Marriot scholarship for social documentary photography.
The aim of the scholarship is to enable a recent post-graduate photography student to produce a sustained body of social documentary photography that re-interprets and contextualises some of the images/issues held within the Work Town archive.
In 2009 the scholarship was awarded to Caroline Edge, a recent MA Photography graduate. Caroline produced a large volume of work that was inspired by Spender's collection. She spent nearly a year documenting life in the Bolton community on the theme of 'Holidays'. Her work was exhibited at the People's History Museum in Manchester and at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, where some of her images have been archived for future generations to view. Caroline has also spoken about her body of work at a number of research conferences.
In October 2010 Anna White, MA Photography graduate from the University of Bolton, was awarded the scholarship. Anna is currently working with the local community to form close relationships to enable her to get intimate shots that form a collection of images that represent 'The Everyday'. Anna will present an overview of her current work at the Recording Leisure Lives Conference, taking place on the 19th April at Bolton Museum.
The final scholarship will be awarded in Autumn 2011 and a call for applications will be announced later in the year.