Peter Britton

The relationship between place, memory and photography is multi-faceted. The very nature of photographic visual recording means that as one records, one creates ‘memory’ both via the medium used (film or a memory card), and through the act of being present; of being in that moment (the memory imprinted on one’s mind). We form attachments to places, based on experiences. We ourselves are then the creators of memories.

Place offers meaning, whether that place is big or small, and experience can be passive or active within a place. We understand small places intimately, through our bodies, through our senses. Larger spaces, such as a landscape, are understood via the active experiences we have in that environment, linked to landmarks, signs and interactions. Perception and awareness of the environment build on our personal experiences, and attachments are formed that link to place via memory. As social creatures we need small, intimate places; these offer us a sense of home and comfort. But likewise, we need places that are open, wide, large. Places that allow us to at once get lost, then remember the way. Places where we can learn the environment, feel the landscape and call our own. Places where experiences shape our thoughts and form memories within us. Place and memory are, it seems, inevitably intertwined.

Memory is intrinsically linked to an individual’s notion of time, space and place. Life’s great ongoing drama is its very ordinariness, that deep sea of oppressive familiarity within which we trawl for the mysteries of our being. There are inherent difficulties within memory. Embellishment, exaggeration, nostalgia and romanticising of views are all present when we talk about our experiences. But there are other difficulties of memory, especially hard memories, and the hardships they provide. But even ‘hard’ memories can give prospects for the future as we learn, adapt and change. A perfect memory is indistinguishable from none at all. Life has a way of talking to the future. It’s called memory.

The landscape feeds one’s imagination and provides opportunities to make. It’s like the wonder of a gift. It is so much better a reward to make and give than to take and have. The landscape is a reason. The dunes are my release. These images are memories.

You have my whole heart...

...you always did...

...you always will x