Hollin Lane - A photobook by Rachael Munro-Fawcett

British photographer Rachael Munro-Fawcett explores the solitude of an urban allotment and digs deep to uncover stories of the human-nature relationship.

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Project

Hollin Lane

"We forget that we are tied to the earth in a very fundamental way and it's good to know that, to feel it in your life."- Joe Foster, resident at Hollin Lane Allotments.

Hollin Lane is a long-term photography project (2016-2020) in which I documented Hollin Lane allotments in the North of England. Prompted by a desire to re-engage with life after the loss of my father, I followed my curiosity into the grounds of Hollin Lane Allotments and immediately found solitude in its natural surroundings.

From Hollin Lane series © Rachael Munro-Fawcett 

I felt drawn to the allotment and kept returning to photograph the landscapes. The space played an integral role in my healing and restored in me a sense of purpose that led me to question the significance of the allotment in the lives of its residents. I began to photograph the residents and record their stories that touched on topics of mental and physical wellbeing, history, community and the human-nature relationship. 

The Hollin Lane photo-book is a story about connection, solitude and belonging and highlights the importance and necessity of urban growing spaces in modern times. 

From Hollin Lane series © Rachael Munro-Fawcett 

From Hollin Lane series © Rachael Munro-Fawcett

From Hollin Lane series © Rachael Munro-Fawcett

From Hollin Lane series © Rachael Munro-Fawcett

From Hollin Lane series © Rachael Munro-Fawcett

Process

I began the project in Autumn 2016 and wrapped up shooting in late 2020. Over this period, I visited the allotments in all weather conditions to capture the passing of the seasons and the cyclical decline and renewal of the natural world. My visual approach for the project was a quiet walk-through of the space, focusing on contemplative moments and connections with people and objects. The entirety of the project was shot in colour and on digital, which allowed me the freedom to explore the allotments creatively without any limitations on the amount of images I would produce.

Photographer Rachael Munro-Fawcett, Hollin Lane Allotments. 

Project Recognitions

The Hollin Lane series has been confirmed for its solo exhibition at Leeds Central Library in Autumn 2021 and the portrait version of Mary from the Hollin Lane project is included in this years Bristol Photo Festival. Further exhibition dates and announcements for the project will be shared online at www.rachaelmunrofawcett/blog

With your help I will be able to publish Hollin Lane as a high-quality, immersive photo-book that will form a meaningful summarisation of the Hollin Lane project.

The Hollin Lane photo-book

The Hollin Lane photo-book will be self-published and designed by Rachael and will contain: all images from the project, stories from the allotment residents, an afterword, a list of works and technical notes. Text(s) by Rachael Munro-Fawcett.

Specifications: 

Hardcover, flat spine

25 colour photographs, 38 pages

Matt ArtPaper 170gsm

245mm by 210mm

150 print run

Landscape orientation

Release date: September 2021

Why do I need your support?

The Hollin Lane project has been entirely self-funded and I have focused my time, resources and personal finances on the development of the project, solo exhibition and book. I would like to create a high-quality photo-book that encapsulates the efforts I have applied to this project to tell the story of Hollin Lane Allotments. Without your support, creating the Hollin Lane photo-book will not be viable. 

I am hoping to tell a story that raises questions, intrigues and inspires people. Your help and support is incredibly important in making the Hollin Lane photo-book become a reality. 

Thank you very much for your time and support. 

Rachael

I would be very grateful if you can help spread the word of this campaign on your social pages and follow the Hollin Lane project on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for announcements, photos, and upcoming events. 

Bio

Rachael Munro-Fawcett is a UK-based photographer whose work examines the relationships that exist between people and their environment. With a strong social and environmental focus, her practise is driven by an ardent belief in the power of photography to facilitate discussions that initiate positive change within societies. Her work explores a diverse range of cultures, communities and landscapes, broadening the scope of conversation to include worlds that exist beyond her own socio-economic and geographical boundaries. You can read more about Rachael and view her work here www.rachaelmunrofawcett.co.uk