In a world where prejudice and stereotypes often cloud our perceptions, photographer Sam Wright set out to capture the true essence of the Traveller community through his lens. His powerful photo series, Pillar to Post, offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of young Travellers across the UK and Ireland, revealing a side of this often misunderstood group that is rarely seen in mainstream media.
A Warm Welcome
Despite the warnings he received about the Traveller community being hostile or prone to theft, Wright found himself embraced with open arms. “It was super welcoming,” he recalls, describing the kindness and passion he encountered during his two-year journey photographing Travellers at eight different fairs.
One particularly memorable moment occurred when a woman named Corrina Chapman invited Wright into her caravan to escape the pouring rain at the Appleby horse fair in Cumbria. Within minutes, the small space was filled with a dozen family members, all gathered for a portrait. It was in this chaotic, yet heartwarming scene that Wright captured one of his favorite images: a tender moment between a man and a baby, showcasing a side of Traveller life often overlooked by the media.
Tradition Meets Modernity
Throughout his series, Wright juxtaposes the rich traditions of Traveller life with contemporary fashion and style. He captures the pride and confidence of the younger generation, who seamlessly blend their cultural heritage with modern sensibilities. From Nike trainers dangling from a rider on an Irish cob to girls in designer clothes posing playfully outside a Romany Gypsy bowtop caravan, these images challenge preconceived notions about the Traveller community.
“The younger generation of Travellers are almost like small adults,” Wright observes. “They’re very savvy and very confident and super passionate about their community.”
– Sam Wright, photographer
A Disappearing Way of Life
For many Travellers, the fairs Wright photographed serve as a yearly pilgrimage, a way to honor their traditional way of life that is rapidly disappearing. With hostile legislation and discrimination making it increasingly difficult to maintain a nomadic lifestyle, fewer and fewer Travellers are living on the road year-round. As one Traveller told Wright, “It’s just too dangerous and not fun any more.”
The photographer’s images serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating this unique culture before it vanishes entirely. By sharing the stories and experiences of the Travellers he met, Wright hopes to foster greater understanding and acceptance of this marginalized community.
Confronting Discrimination
Sadly, the Traveller community continues to face significant discrimination and racism. According to a recent human rights report, 62% of Travellers have experienced racial abuse. Wright himself witnessed the impact of this prejudice when he met a 12-year-old boy named Benjamin Jacob Smith, who had left school due to bullying from both students and teachers.
“I feel like it’s one of the last communities that people are openly racist about,” Wright laments.
– Sam Wright, photographer
A Collaborative Approach
Throughout his project, Wright prioritized building relationships with his subjects, taking the time to sit down and get to know them before capturing their portraits. By uploading the images to Facebook groups for the respective fairs, he ensured that the Travellers had access to the photographs and could see the respectful manner in which he portrayed their community.
“Travellers don’t expect miracles in how we are depicted. We know our faults better than anyone,” writes Damien Le Bas, a British artist from Irish Traveller heritage, in the afterword of Pillar to Post. “We don’t want special treatment. But we do expect people who talk about us to try and tell the truth.”
– Damien Le Bas, British artist from Irish Traveller heritage
Sam Wright’s Pillar to Post series does just that – it tells the truth about a community that has long been misrepresented and misunderstood. Through his tender, honest portraits, Wright invites us to see the Traveller community in a new light, celebrating their resilience, pride, and enduring spirit in the face of adversity.
Pillar to Post is published by Gost, £45. The Taylor Wessing Prize exhibition, featuring Wright’s finalist image, is on display at the National Portrait Gallery, London, until 16 February.
