Capturing Malmesbury's Musical Journey: Behind the Lens of 'Athelstan to Aldi'
Photographing the artists behind Athelstan to Aldi was an incredible journey through Malmesbury’s history. Each image I created reflected the story behind their songs, from King Athelstan to the arrival of Aldi. It was a privilege to bring these unique narratives to life through photography for such a special project.
When I was approached to photograph the artists behind the "Athelstan to Aldi" album, I knew this project was unique.
This unique compilation, launched on 30 June 2024 at Malmesbury Town Hall, brings together songs penned by local songwriters, each narrating a distinct chapter of our town's rich history—from the reign of King Athelstan to the opening of our very own Aldi. It was part of the Athelstan 1100 celebrations here in my hometown.
The album, a brainchild of Supermarine Music, is a musical tapestry that reanimates Malmesbury's most colourful characters and infamous incidents.
Listeners are transported through time, witnessing events like the Abbey toilets getting running water, the day its spire fell over, the civil war, the witch trials, and the opening of Aldi.
My role was to create images for each singer-songwriter that encapsulated the essence of their song's story.
This meant delving deep into each narrative, understanding its historical context, and translating that into a visual representation that resonated with the artist and the audience, all with a sense of humour.
For instance, one of the tracks, "Through Turner's Eyes," offers a unique perspective on Malmesbury's history.
To capture this, I collaborated closely with the songwriter to understand the emotions and imagery they envisioned, ensuring the photograph reflected the song's depth and nuance.
Working on this project was a journey through time, allowing me to connect with Malmesbury's heritage.
Contributing to a project that celebrates our town's history through music and imagery was an honour.
I hope these photographs help bring the stories of "Athelstan to Aldi" to life for everyone who experiences the album.
