In the heart of the West Country, a region immortalized by the words of Thomas Hardy, "Wessex Unveiled" is a soul-stirring photography project. Fueled by my deeply personal connection with this land, I embarked on a journey to delve into its hills, landscapes, and communities, capturing moments that span from time-worn landmarks to the vibrant tapestry of modern Wessex.

This project presents a panoramic view, intricately weaving together the past and the present, drawing inspiration from the rich history of this extraordinary region. Through a series of evocative photographs, "Wessex Unveiled" stands as a testament to the living, breathing history that continues to shape this place. It endeavors to convey that Wessex, as portrayed in literature and history, is not merely a relic of days gone by, but a dynamic character in its own right, continuously reshaping its narrative within the modern world.

My own relationship with the West Country is a tale of mixed emotions. From my childhood impressions, some sweet and some bitter, to my return to the region a decade ago, this project serves as a means to explore and redefine my connection with this area. Immersing myself in Thomas Hardy's literature, particularly "Return of the Native," I found a striking parallel between the young man returning to his childhood land in the novel and my own journey.

While documenting the various fetes and festivals that bear remnants of Wessex's past, I couldn't help but contemplate our penchant for nostalgia. It's a question worth pondering: Is our inclination to romanticize the past a positive force, and could it have influenced certain decisions, such as those surrounding Brexit?

Through this Series of photographs I tried encapsulates not only the enduring allure of Thomas Hardy's words but also the complex interplay between memory, history, and the evolving landscapes of the West Country.