© John Angerson 2024
Like many photographers before me, I often find the visual appeal of hedges, that unwittingly feature in many of my images. This attraction likely stems from England's deep-rooted connection to the land, a legacy dating back to the era of the British Empire. English colonialists established gardens across their global territories, showcasing botanical prowess and exerting control over nature. With this came the exchange of plants that have found their way into English gardens of today.

While glossy magazines often portray the English garden at the height of the summer bloom, I seem to be attracted to their raw, unadorned, slightly dishevelled and chaotic state. I have often shot this work during the winter months to show gardens in a more authentic state.

These images form part of my ongoing project, "Sound of the Suburbs," documenting images within walking distance of my home. Five years ago, I left London for the suburbs of Reading, seeking a house with a spacious garden. Soon after arriving I purchased a 1963 Rolleiflex camera at the local camera shop and revisited shooting on black and white films. In doing so, I reconnected with my amateur spirit.

These photographs are copyright but may be reproduced with credit "John Angerson " without specific permission or payment ONLY IN the context of the work of the Hedges exhibition - only until the end of 2025. Moral rights asserted under Copyright Designs & Patents Act 1988