Healing by Colin Bell

This is not a book review. It may be no more than semantics but the term  review has a flavour of judgement and I  do not feel either qualified to judge or that judgement is appropriate for such a work. I prefer to think of this as a book response, a purely individual, subjective reaction.I don't buy many photo books, fewer at full new price and fewer still cause me to fight for a place in the queue. The Healing places itself therefore,  in a special position for me.I first became aware of Colin Bell’s work ( like many others perhaps) through his defining picture of the tree at Rydal then his iconic image of the group of trees at Crummock Water. Since then I have followed and enjoyed his photographs immensely.As much as I hate the phenomenon of ‘unboxing videos’, the first little slice of joy came with the beautiful packaging and presentation of this book. Before a page was turned, the thing shouted class. Again before turning a  page the beautiful linen cover subtly advised that there were riches within. Joe’s fine forward set the scene beautifully and reassuringly echoed my own advance thoughts that this book was about both the healing of damaged places and also of Colin’s own journey. While no expert on book printing, the images look delicious and the overall production of the book seems to be flawless.If you buy a book such as this, you probably have a reasonable measure of familiarity with the images that are within. I don't think anyone could possibly be anything other than delighted. It is a collection filled to the brink with the most beautiful images from three main areas, The Tilberthwaite Quarries (including Hodge Close and Holme Fell), Thirlmere and the Dead Lake at Delamere.They sit beautifully as individuals, as a collection and as pairs on adjacent pages. For me, many of the images are the defining images of their respective locations. Those on Holme Fell for instance, are such a powerful and iconic record that they make me feel as though I'm trespassing in some way when I make my own photographs there. Colin’s images display many things apart from the obvious mastery of the photographic art. They show an understanding of the elements and a sympathy with mist and rain. Quite apart from the obvious beauty of so many images the single overwhelming aspect which I perceive is that of subtlety. There is a delicacy and empathy in these images that arises alongside the fact that there is a clear relationship with the landscape. These are places much visited by the photographer; all seasons, times, weathers and moods. Multiple visits that allow the feel of the place to seep into the bones as if by osmosis. That empathy emerges in tidal waves though the pictures.This has instantly become one of my very favourite photographic books, standing alongside the greats. It speaks to me of the places I know so well, the weather of my homeland and the relationship that is possible if one knows, understands and values the natural environment. It celebrates our land in all its moods and also the power of nature to restore life to damaged places. It was published as limited edition which must be running low. I can only exhort anyone with a heart and soul to buy this book.