Amanda Harman

In this episode of Biblioscapes in Discussion, I am joined by Amanda Harman to talk about her work and her book The Frith Fields.

17 January
Back at the fields today, there is a sharp frost and low winter sun. I don’t know how to photograph this place. I have been drawn to wilder places, of sky and water and reflection. Before me is a farmed landscape, rolling hills, meadow, hedges, where the human impact is so entirely evident. I decide to walk the three fields and get to know them a little. The bottom field is where I’m drawn. It feels wilder than the others, with bedraggled hedges and a stand of thick blackthorn rising up on the north facing boundary. The woody structures of the field margins capture my interest, there are skeletal seedheads white with frost, some stands of blackthorn and bramble, and the woods rising on the opposite hillside. I make my way back up the hill, cold now, I take refuge in the cottage, make tea, look through Emma’s many books on meadows and warm up. Later I revisit the running field, enchanted by the animal shelter in the southernmost corner.

We also discussed a selection of Amanda’’s favourite photobooks from her own bookshelf…

• The Heavens by Barbara Boswoth

• A Voice by the Lynn by Robbie Lawrence

• Empty land, Promised land, Forbidden land by Rob Hornstra

• Book of the Starlings by Jem Southam

• Exhibition Catalogue by Garry Fabian Miller

You can see more of Amanda’s work on her website and find her on Instagram.