‘Belper Horseshoe Weir’ by Ashley Franklin ARPS
For Ashley Franklin ARPS, an RPS member since 2006, Derbyshire’s Derwent Valley holds a special place in his heart.
First moving to Milford in 1977 to work as a broadcaster for BBC Radio Derby, the Nottinghamshire-born Franklin became the chief writer and photographer for Derbyshire Life magazine in 2004. This 15-year long role fully immersed him in the magic of the valley’s people and places.
Fast forward to 24 November 2023, and Franklin releases the photobook The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site – A Photographic Record, created in partnership with Ian Daisley and other photographers.
Here, Franklin reveals the story behind the first photobook dedicated to the Derwent Valley – a 228-page love letter to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
‘Via Gellia mill’ by Ian Daisley
What originally drew you to the Derwent Valley?
I first came to the Derwent Valley in 1977 to become a broadcaster for BBC Radio Derby. It was a bit of a reluctant career move, especially as I’d lived a long time in neighbouring Nottinghamshire and only ever visited the area on family trips as a child.
For the first 25 years living in Milford, I felt more like a city commuter than a village dweller. This all changed in 2001 – the year the Derwent Valley was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Three years later I became chief writer and photographer for Derbyshire Life magazine. During my 15 years in this role, I was able to capture the valley’s unmistakeable vibrancy.
Having lived and worked here for almost five decades now, I feel a palpable sense of connection to Derwent Valley.
‘Mistical Autumn, the Chevin' by Ashley Franklin ARPS
What inspired The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site – A Photographic Record photobook?
The modern factory, or mill, system was born in the Derwent Valley in the 18th century to accommodate new cotton spinning technology developed by Richard Arkwright.
Spending eight years as the official photographer for the Arkwright Society – a charity aimed at promoting education and conservation based at the valley’s Cromford Mills – is one of the main reasons this photobook came to fruition. They originally commissioned me to produce a photobook documenting the Derwent Valley in 2014. However, other work commitments delayed my progress.
‘A quiet prayer' by Ashley Franklin ARPS
In 2018 I rediscovered my zeal for this project after photographing Derbyshire artist Paul Cummins’ celebrated ceramic poppy art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Silk Mill’s tower.
Excitingly, I also learned that 2021 marked the 300th anniversary of the Silk Mill, the 250th anniversary of Sir Richard Arkwright building his first mill at Cromford, the 50th anniversary of the Arkwright Society, and the 20th anniversary of the valley’s UNESCO World Heritage status. With these special occasions in mind, I approached the Arkwright Society about reviving the Derwent Valley project. With that, the photobook was officially back in motion.
How did you approach capturing images for this photobook?
I wanted the book to have three distinct image categories – Industrial Heritage, People and Places, and Wildlife. This design decision led me to approach my friend, Ian Daisley, for help. He’s a nature and landscape photographer who has designed photobooks of his own, so having him involved felt like a natural fit.
‘Charcoal burner, Longway Bank wood' by Rod Kirkpatrick
I move in a lot of East Midlands camera club circles and was aware that many of my fellow photographers had barely fired a shutter in the Derwent Valley. To ensure the photobook captured the area’s diversity, I invited other photographers to submit their photos too. Cash prizes were offered to category winners and free copies of the photobook were gifted to contributors.
The response was heartening, and we received over 1,000 submissions. We’ve ended up with 477 images in total – 275 captured by me, 79 by Ian, and 123 shot by contributing amateur and professional photographers.
What were the most challenging aspects of creating the photobook?
When we invited photographers to contribute, I knew the original vision for the photobook would be altered slightly. I’d say this made selecting the right images even more important. And given that we had so many high-quality submissions, the task of excluding some cherished images was made even more difficult.
This process, though, has resulted in a collection of images that highlight the diversity and richness of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic robbed us of publishing the photobook in 2021, a multi-anniversary year for Derwent Valley. I also suffered a cerebellar stroke and was receiving treatment for prostate cancer. These setbacks, though, made me more determined to get the book out there.
‘Pike, Cromford canal’ by Rob Cuss
What have been the biggest achievements of the photobook?
I’m proud that it represents so much of the Derwent Valley. From its industrial legacy to the repurposing of the valley’s mills, the place is infused with a real sense of history. But the photobook also spotlights the art, religion, occupations and wildlife vital to the people who live, work and play here today.
When this photobook was published, many contributing photographers got in touch to say how happy they were that their work was featured. This made the project feel even more special.
‘Horse drawn, Cromford canal’ by Ashley Franklin ARPS
What do you want readers to get from your images in this photobook?
As with many places, the Derwent Valley faces continuing challenges, including the closure of the Strutt’s North Mill Museum in 2022. We wanted to reflect the reality of life here. All the photographs featured present a fascinating, varied and vital place.
But while the last 250 years have brought about many changes, the valley’s enduring significance lies in the preservation of its built and social heritage. And with restoration and fresh uses for historic buildings, the valley is as fascinating now as it ever was.
I hope people use this photobook as a guide to discover what makes this part of the world so special and teaches them how it helped birth the world’s biggest industry – manufacturing.