FORMAT25: Conflicted: John Blakemore: Earthly Delights
Widely regarded as a master of darkroom photography, John Blakemore is celebrated for the richness and textures that he created within his prints. Using a technical harmony of the 5脳4 film medium, the Zone System and an incredible mastery of the darkroom printing process, he shaped a signature tonal richness and opulence within his photography worthy of the title.
Using nature as his muse, John captured landscapes inspired by texture and space that can be appreciated by audiences regardless of their knowledge of the skill behind the printing.In 2024, Derby Museums accessioned 12 photographic prints of John鈥檚 into the collection of the city he had called home for over 50 years, bringing together prints from a range of projects including his iconic tulips and his Derbyshire and Wales landscapes. This new collection brings together a life鈥檚 dedication to technical skill, analogue practice and celebrating the natural world around us.
It encourages us once more to witness that age old conflict between the decisive moment of the photograph and the flowing of time. It asks us to rediscover the joy of the thoughtful and meditative processes of analogue at a time where digital is monarch. Most of all, it is a swansong to the brilliance of John Blakemore, a man of endless inspiration, wit and skill.
Widely regarded as a master of darkroom photography, John Blakemore is celebrated for the richness and textures that he created within his prints. Using a technical harmony of the 5脳4 film medium, the Zone System and an incredible mastery of the darkroom printing process, he shaped a signature tonal richness and opulence within his photography worthy of the title.
Using nature as his muse, John captured landscapes inspired by texture and space that can be appreciated by audiences regardless of their knowledge of the skill behind the printing.In 2024, Derby Museums accessioned 12 photographic prints of John鈥檚 into the collection of the city he had called home for over 50 years, bringing together prints from a range of projects including his iconic tulips and his Derbyshire and Wales landscapes. This new collection brings together a life鈥檚 dedication to technical skill, analogue practice and celebrating the natural world around us.
It encourages us once more to witness that age old conflict between the decisive moment of the photograph and the flowing of time. It asks us to rediscover the joy of the thoughtful and meditative processes of analogue at a time where digital is monarch. Most of all, it is a swansong to the brilliance of John Blakemore, a man of endless inspiration, wit and skill.
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