Synopsis "Offcumdens (in English)"
We can't agree on who came up with the title for this collection. It probably arose between us, popping up in conversation until we both realised it was right. As offcumdens, originally brought up on different sides of the Thames in London, this is our very personal take on Yorkshire, the county we've adopted as our own, even if Yorkshire will never fully reciprocate. There is no attempt here to provide a definitive picture of the county through our words and images. It's an eclectic mix that has evolved from our individual experiences as well as from visiting places of mutual significance. We met first at a poetry event held at The Leeds Library, one of those moments of serendipity that occurred often during our subsequent collaboration. An appreciation of each other's work soon emerged and a realisation that our respective photographs and poems might combine to complement each other. The process of pairing poems with photographs has worked in both directions, usually the poem being written in response to one of the photographs, but photographs also being matched to poems. Occasionally, both have arisen organically as a result of an expedition together to the city, coast or countryside.EndorsementsThere's a space; a liminal space, a creative space, an adventurous space and a surprising space where words and images meet and this superb book celebrates that exciting space. IAN McMILLANEach double page spread is a conversation - the eloquent understatement of black and white image leaving space for the warmth and sensitivity of the words. Together, they turn towards people and places with acute and generous attention. Offcumdens they may be, but Bob Hamilton and Emma Storr are returning Yorkshire to itself, with value added. PHILIP GROSSA wonderfully evocative marriage of words and photographs that describes so well the Yorkshire I've come to know and love over the last 20+ years. Bob and Emma may not have been born here, but they have collaborated superbly to create a body of work that shows how well they understand and appreciate the charming and eclectic mix of places and people in their adopted homeland. LIZZIE SHEPHERDA tour of Yorkshire, including the bits that other artists might overlook: both the poems and images are eclectic, addictive and inspiring. HELEN MORTThe relationship between words and images is not as simple as it looks. A poet and a photographer working collaboratively, each creating strong individual pieces of work which can be viewed or read independently, by putting the words and photograph together create something that is much greater than the two. Bob Hamilton and Emma Storr have achieved this creating a fine body of work that is a joy to read. IAN BEESLEY
