Incarcerated: Andy Aitchison's Photographic Study of Britain's Victorian Prisons
For more than twenty years, photographer Andy Aitchison has captured life within the remaining Victorian prisons in Britain, culminating in the release of his book 'Incarcerated' by Bluecoat Press. His journey began in 2004 when he was tasked by the Big Issue to photograph HMP Wandsworth, established in 1851. Since then, Aitchison has documented nearly 50 prisons and regularly writes for Inside Time, the UK's foremost prison publication. The book features photographs from HMP Lincoln, which opened in 1872, and HMP Liverpool, among others. Aitchison operates under stringent guidelines, requiring consent forms and banning images of inmates' faces. The essays within the book explore Victorian beliefs in 'progress' and note that over 30 such prisons still function, accommodating about a quarter of the UK’s prison population.
Key facts
- Andy Aitchison has photographed nearly 50 prisons over more than 20 years.
- His book 'Incarcerated' is published by Bluecoat Press.
- Aitchison's interest began in 2004 with an assignment for the Big Issue at HMP Wandsworth.
- HMP Wandsworth was built in 1851 and can accommodate 1,456 prisoners.
- HMP Lincoln opened in 1872 and has space for 650 prisoners.
- More than 30 Victorian prisons remain in use, holding about a quarter of the UK's prison population.
- Faces of prisoners are not shown; permission from the Ministry of Justice is required.
- The book is part of research by geographers, criminologists, and historians.
Entities
Artists
- Andy Aitchison
Institutions
- Bluecoat Press
- Big Issue
- HMP Wandsworth
- HMP Lincoln
- HMP Liverpool
- Ministry of Justice
- Inside Time
Locations
- Britain
- United Kingdom
- London
- Lincoln
- Liverpool