Paul Graham's 'A1: The Great North Road' Reissued by Mack
This month, Mack is reissuing Paul Graham's photobook 'A1: The Great North Road,' which first appeared in 1983. The work explores the A1, Britain's longest road, stretching approximately 400 miles from London to Edinburgh. Over a two-year period, Graham captured the essence of the landscape and its inhabitants. The book opens with a photograph of two businessmen in blue suits at the Bank of England, a hue that reflects the blue associated with Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party, which rose to power in 1979. Located along the A1 is Thatcher's hometown of Grantham. The book illustrates the initial effects of her policies, such as deregulation and rising unemployment. Graham, an early pioneer of color photography, presents a vibrant Britain filled with blues, greens, and reds. This reissue highlights a significant era in history.
Key facts
- Paul Graham's book 'A1: The Great North Road' originally published in 1983.
- The book is being reissued this month by Mack.
- The A1 extends about 400 miles from London to Edinburgh.
- Graham photographed the route over two years.
- The opening image shows two businessmen at the Bank of England in the City of London.
- The blue color in the photographs evokes the Conservative Party and Margaret Thatcher.
- Thatcher's birthplace, Grantham, is along the A1.
- Graham was an early adopter of color photography.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Mack
- Bank of England
- Conservative Party
- Sunderland City Council
Locations
- London
- Edinburgh
- Grantham
- Lincolnshire
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Ferrybridge
- West Yorkshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Markham Moor
- South Mimms
- Hertfordshire
- Colsterworth
- Washington Services
- Tyne and Wear
- Sunderland
- England
- Scotland
- United Kingdom