Documentary Photography Archive: Tourism in the North West

This commission was undertaken jointly with Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool who wished to promote a project on this theme. Open Eye, therefore, determined the subject. Financial support towards the costs of the commission came from Open Eye, North West Arts and the D.P.A. The D.P.A. was responsible for the administration of the commission.

The commission was advertised nationally and six photographers were invited to attend for interview. Of these Paul Reas was selected for the project as he had already undertaken initial work in this field.

It was agreed that, for the purpose of this commission, Paul should concentrate on the newly emergent heritage centres in the North West. He would also continue his own work on museums/theme parks in other areas.

The project commenced in September 1989 and was initially expected to be completed by September 1990. Paul did not, however, present the finished work until February 1992.

Very few meeting took place between the photographer and the D.P.A. The photographer appeared neither to encourage nor enjoy the experience.

The commission was shot throughout in colour with a modest 506 negatives comprising the final deposit. Of those an oven more modest 401 actually relate to sites in the north west: Wigan Pier Heritage Centre (262); Quarry Bank Mill, Styal (55); Granada T.V. Studio Tour (51); Helmshore Textile Museum (20); Albert Dock Complex, Liverpool (11); Haworth (2).

The selection of material presented as the work for the commission sadly does not appear to represent the photographer's finest hour. For the D.P.A., this commission cannot be said to have been either the most successful or the most enriching.