Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin, Imperial War Museum North
by Julian Gratton
About five minutes walk from our Manchester office in Salford Quays there is the fabulous Lowry Gallery and Theatre… not far beyond that, over a bridge, is the Imperial War Museum North which is currently showing a fabulous exhibition by the very talented Don McCullin, who is rightly regarded as one of the world’s best photographers.
For more than 50 years, McCullin’s images have shaped our awareness of modern conflict and its consequences. His courage and integrity, as well as the exceptional quality of his work, are a continuing inspiration and influence worldwide.
A unique collaboration between McCullin and the Imperial War Museum, this major new exhibition contains over 200 photographs, objects, magazines and personal memorabilia, and shows how war has shaped the life of this exceptional British photographer and those across the globe over the last half-century.
Obviously the main focus of the exhibition is the stunning photographs, but what makes this exhibition so memorable is the cameras, boots & helmet, numerous passports and photographs of Don McCullin at work on the battlefield, together with illuminating personal correspondence… which really gives you a wonderful insight into both Don McCullin’s life and mind.
As you walk round the exhibition you also get to listen to Don McCullin speak himself about his experiences and relay some absolutely riveting stories… and as the exhibition closes you are introduced to McCullin’s landscape and stills work that is helping him deal with the horrors he has seen through the lens over the past few decades of war and conflict.
The accompanying book for the exhibition is also a departure from normal books documenting photographic work. Firstly, the size of the book matches the original “Sunday Times Magazine”, where so much of his work first appeared. Once inside, the text focuses on important stories… for this McCullin was interviewed for hours and the edited transcriptions of these interviews forms the substance for the text.
I really highly recommend this exhibition, hurry though, as you only have until June 13th to catch it. The actual book of the exhibition can be bought here and it will also be gracing our reception area for a few weeks.
Tags: Advertising Photography, Black & White Photography, Don McCullin, Imperial War Museum North, Landscape Photography, Manchester Advertising Agency, Photographic Exhibition, Salford Quays, Shaped by War, Vietnam War, War Photography, War Reportage
