Ian’s Eye on Undercliffe

Ian Beesley, the award winning and internationally acclaimed artist and photographer gave an insight into his work to BA Photography Students from Bradford College.

In the early 1970’s Ian began recording Undercliffe recognising its importance and value as an expression of Victorian architecture and society.

Over 15 years he he captured the different moods, tones and, now lost,  buildings, memorials and people.

The cemetery gives an insight into the 19th century’s response to  life and death.  Ian’s work has provided a wealth of images that support and celebrate the Grade II* Listed Heritage site.

His book, ‘Undercliffe Bradford’s Historic Cemetery’ was  published in 1991,  and together with Bradford District Archivist Dr.David James it remains a pivitol work about the site.

Ian’s work is known nationally and internationally, with photographs held by  The Royal Photographic Society, The Smithsonian Institute, Washington, and the National Museum of Labour, Helsinki, and many other galleries and institutions.

He is currently artist in residence for the Bradford Institute of Health Research/Born in Bradford, artist in residence for the University of Bristol’s School of Social & Community Medicine and artist in residence for Chetham’s Library, Manchester and Gallery Oldham.

To see more of Ian’s work go to: http://www.ianbeesley.com

for Bradford BA Photography students work visit:

Re-imagining Undercliffe Cemetery collaborative project.