Anthony Wilson's 'Mawmaw' Documents West Virginia's Grandfamilies

Photographer Anthony Wilson's new photobook 'Mawmaw' (published by Pomegranate Press and Guest Editions) documents grandfamilies in West Virginia—households where grandparents become primary caregivers for their grandchildren. The project began when Wilson, living in a friend's treehouse during Covid, listened to Appalachian podcasts and learned about grandfamilies. He contacted the founder of Healthy Grandfamilies, attended meetings, and over five years photographed six families across several counties. Shot entirely on a Mamiya RZ67 and printed in a darkroom, the book organizes images by family and includes journal entries and letters from the grandmothers. Wilson gave families final say on difficult images. The book explores themes of perseverance, guardianship, and love in overlooked Appalachian communities.