Photographs have a unique power to inspire. Footage of the living world can infiltrate hearts and minds, going far beyond the reach of facts and figures alone. Photographs allow us to share positive stories, to form deep connections and to ignite action. Yet, like most modern industries, photography requires energy and resources that, if not managed thoughtfully, can impact our planet. In making use of the incredible potential of photography, we must also be sensitive to its repercussions on the world we are capturing.
Reflecting this sentiment, we’re thrilled to announce a partnership with MPB, the UK’s top camera reseller and a business rooted in circular principles. By extending the life of photography equipment, MPB is helping more visual storytellers make conscious choices that reduce the need for new production and the associated emissions and waste. Through redistribution and reuse, MPB helps keep valuable materials in use for longer, supporting photographers who are looking to reduce their impact on the Earth and those we share her with.
We are so delighted to have formed this partnership with MPB, a company whose work aligns with the values of We Feed The UK. Across our commissions and exhibitions, it was deeply important to us to honour the hard yet gentle work of the farmers we were documenting. We knew the positive outcomes of sharing these stories would be great, but also that this should not come at the expense of further harming the Earth on our journey to helping her.
We couldn’t follow the usual pathway, where cameras typically cased in plastic and loaded with minerals from deep mines take photographs that go on to be printed on coated paper or single-use vinyl, before being mounted on fossil-fuel-rich Foamex or Di-Bond for short displays.
We are immensely proud of the level of genuine sustainability we’ve achieved across each of the We Feed The UK exhibitions, including the Complete Collection now showing in Bristol. This was no mean feat for our Project Lead Ally Nelson and we hope that her knowledge, dedication, and methods will inform future exhibitions across the photography landscape.
The entire photographic collection from We Feed The UK is displayed on natural, low-impact, and recyclable materials. A majority of the works are printed on Hahnemühle Agave archival digital fineart paper made from Natural agave fibres: a plant that requires minimal water and maintenance and grows quickly without the need for harmful chemicals. Negating the need for Foamex or Di-Bond, we sourced a sustainable substrate called Katz Eco Board to mount the exhibition pieces. It is made of natural wood, containing no chemicals, bleaches, or harmful whitening agents. And, in the place of plastic vinyl, we printed our large, unmounted images on Phototex: a recycled and recyclable adhesive fabric that can be reused time and time again.
Our hope is that the exhibition will live on for many weeks, months, and years, continuing to touch hearts and inspire change as it reaches more pairs of eyes beyond its current home in Bristol, aided by our intentional choice of materials and the continuing support of our generous partners and sponsors.
