Ian Beesley

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Ian Beesley

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Ian Beesley is an internationally recognised social documentary photographer, who has focused much of his work on the north of England. Originally from Bradford, Beesley’s first job was at Esholt sewage works where his colleagues encouraged him to pursue a passion. Soon, Ian was enrolled at Bradford Art College to study photography, followed by Bournemouth & Poole College of Art.

The decision to move South was temporary as following graduation Ian returned home. Ian was awarded the Kodak Scholarship for Social Documentation, a recognition of his connection with the people he photographs. Ian’s sense of belonging to Bradford and the wider North gives his photographs an authenticity that is hard to achieve if you’re just a visitor. Beesley followed the decline of industries which had been integral to the north; photographing factories, mills and their workers to honour their professions, and the 80s society of the industrial North.

Since then, Ian has continued his work as a social documentarian through his residency with ‘Born in Bradford’ and IDEAL (Improving Dementia Experience and Active Living), alongside working on several other health and mental health projects including ‘The Leap’ and ‘Taraxacum Officinale’. In 2019 Ian was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford for his significant contribution to the artistic, cultural and social wellbeing of the city.

In 2023, Ian Beesley donated his life’s work to Bradford District Museums & Galleries, however this collection is far from complete as Ian is still adding new work to date.

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