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Pathways – The Idea
“Everything we do as humans is determined by a route, whether it’s cerebral or physical. Paths – or ways – are the vehicle we as a species use to connect and survive.
My name is Matt Writtle. I am a documentary photographer with over 30-years’ experience working in the UK and around the world. In 2022, I was approached by The Ridgeway National Trail to discuss the possibility of collaborating on a photographic project to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the 87-mile route. As 2023 was also when I was celebrating my 50th year, I was excited to find out more. What I created was Pathways, a photographic journey along Britain’s oldest road.
When considering the origins of the Ridgeway, I was at first drawn to its claim to be the oldest trading route in Britain. But as I walked and absorbed the ambiance of its trail, I began to understand the reasons behind its organic creation. I arrived at one simple conclusion: survival.
Our evolution, from the earliest Homo Sapiens to present-day life, began by travelling to forage or hunt for food. The route of a successful hunt – or passage – to fruit and vegetables was passed on through generations to ensure the survival of our species.
As these journeys were repeated, over time an imprint became visible on the landscape: these paths have become roads, motorways, sea channels and flight paths, ensuring a global community and greater understanding of cultures.
Yet, as we venture further into an uncertain world, dominated by climate change and global warming, my creative practice focuses on how we, as a species, impact the landscape.
In a post Covid-19, post Brexit Britain, I was fascinated to explore a trail synonymous with trade, social cohesion and cultural inclusion. As a result, my images aim to illustrate the historic, contemporary and future development of the Ridgeway as a pathway that has created prosperity and unified a nation.”
Matt Writtle is a UK documentary and portrait photographer from the Black Country, now based in the Chiltern Hills. Since 1992, his photography attempts to observe and capture the behaviour of humanity in its current form, or as a reflection of its legacy, and explore its relationship and impact on the environment.
Published books:
The River Meadow at the Pile of Stones – documents the tangible impact of urbanisation on chalk streams.
Sunday: A Portrait of 21st Century England – documents how people spend their leisure time in a consumerist and digital age.
Portraits for Posterity – Portraits of Holocaust Survivors living in Great Britain
Art available to purchase!
Original artworks are individually priced.
