Representing Biscuit Books in Bradford’s Year of Culture
On this occasion, Sue Vaughton and Ed Clews represented Biscuit Books biscuitbookspress at the Impressions Gallery Photobook Fair in Bradford, part of the city’s Year of Culture 2025. The event was bigger than it had been before, filling the gallery with a positive atmosphere and a sense of community. It felt good to be in a place that champions photography in the North of England. The staff at Impressions Gallery were exceptional. Anne McNeill, Jane Hiley, Daniella Gott, and their team couldn’t have been more accommodating; they popped round regularly with tea, coffee, and water, keeping everyone refreshed and in good spirits.
Independent Publishers and a Shared Love of Photography
The fair ran from 10.30 in the morning until five. The room buzzed with conversation and a delight in photography and print. Our Biscuit Books table was one of four publisher stalls alongside 0.08 Imprints, Village and Cassia Clarke. Each of us showed zines, photobooks, handmade editions and personal projects.
Talks and Workshops on Photography and the Family Archive
The programme of talks and workshops was excellent. Cassia Clarke led Archiving to Remember, a session on caring for personal and family archives. Clare Hewitt spoke about her biodegradable photobook, Everything in the Forest is the Forest, and the journey it took across the UK as part of her Borrow and Share scheme. Cassia also presented her new book, Preserving the Familial Archive, which offered practical and sustainable ideas for keeping photographic collections safe at home.
Tombola, Thrift Table and Photo Connect North Social
There was also a popular tombola, a well-stocked thrift table, and the Photo Connect social, which closed the day with Rachel Rimmel leading photoconnectnorth. We had so many interesting conversations with visitors, friends, and fellow exhibitors about photobooks, design, paper stocks, printing, and the process of bringing personal stories to print.
Inside Impressions Gallery
I should also say how beautiful the gallery is inside. The high ceilings and soft light create an open, peaceful atmosphere, making it a bright space where you naturally feel at ease just wandering and looking.
A Big Thank You to Everyone Involved
It was a fantastic day. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Biscuit Books table, to Impressions Gallery impgalleryphoto, for hosting such a generous event, and to all the artists and publishers who made being part of it so inspiring.