Buildings, Aliens and Scarecrows
The first retrospective monograph by Peter Mitchell, “Nothing Lasts Forever” navigates the photographer’s long-rooted and poetic connection with the city of Leeds.
Regarded as one of the most important early color photographers of the 20th century, Peter Mitchell is a versatile and astute observer. He takes on the role of a historian capturing the demise of Quarry Hill Flats, re-tells his own autobiography by photographing Yorkshire scarecrows, imagines seeing the city of Leeds from the perspective of an alien explorer.
The people of Kingston Racing Motors, Olinda terrace, Leeds, 1975 © Peter Mitchell
Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, by the old Seacroft Chapel, York Road, Leeds, 1974 © Peter Mitchell
Priestly House, Quarry Hill Flats, 1978 © Peter Mitchell
The photographer's impeccable method and passion for architecture are closely linked with his interest in the human dimension. A unique combination of history, irony and fantasy, Peter Mitchell’s storytelling takes shape through the use of archival material, oral history, and observation, starting from the early photographs he made in the 1970s and 1980s, while working as a truck delivery driver.
A New Refutation of the Viking 4 Space Mission © Peter Mitchell
The winged cobra workshop © Peter Mitchell
Scarecrow 28 © Peter Mitchell
The book “Nothing Lasts Forever” is published by RRB Photobooks and available at the price of £30.00. Peter Mitchell’s work is also on view at Leeds Art Gallery until October 6.
