“It’s unclear who first said, ‘The best camera in the world is the one in your hand,’ or words to that effect, but most of the photographs in this book are the result of having one, or sometimes two with me while on brief holidays or visiting people around Britain.” – Berris Conolly
With these words, Conolly introduces Field Trips: Travels in Britain 1976–1993, a photographic collection that captures the diverse landscapes and everyday life of Britain over nearly two decades. After leaving commercial photography in 1984, Conolly devoted himself to documentary work, including major projects in Hackney and Sheffield between 1985 and 1991—projects that have since been published by Dewi Lewis. Yet, it is during the brief interludes away from these intensive assignments that Field Trips was born.
The book is not tied to a single theme but is instead a personal record of what caught Conolly’s attention: quiet corners, sweeping vistas, urban streets, rural lanes, and moments both striking and mundane. From the rugged beauty of the Welsh countryside to the subtle textures of industrial towns, Conolly’s lens transforms the ordinary into something deeply contemplative. In Wales, for instance, he retraced the 12th-century circular route described by Gerald of Wales, accompanying the Archbishop of Canterbury on his recruitment for the Third Crusade—a journey that merges historical narrative with photographic observation.
Field Trips reflects Conolly’s ability to find meaning and beauty in fleeting moments. Each image demonstrates his mastery of composition, light, and timing, capturing scenes that are at once authentic and visually compelling. Whether wandering through bustling streets, quiet villages, or isolated landscapes, Conolly’s photographs reveal the character and soul of Britain over a transformative period in its history.
With eight previous books and numerous exhibitions to his name, Berris Conolly continues to be celebrated as one of Britain’s most insightful documentary photographers. Accompanying essays by Travis Elborough, author of The Bus We Loved and Wish You Were Here – England on Sea, provide context, offering readers a richer understanding of both the places and the photographer’s unique perspective.
For photography enthusiasts, historians, and lovers of British culture alike, Field Trips offers an intimate and compelling exploration of a nation through the eyes of one of its most perceptive chroniclers. From sweeping landscapes to quiet domestic moments, this collection reminds us that sometimes the most powerful stories are found when we simply carry a camera and observe the world around us.
