I first encountered Andrew’s works on social media and was completely taken aback by the quality of his imagery. The choice of subjects; the composition; the texture; it was all simply marvellous.‘If these photographs look this great on a screen, I would love to see them in print,’ I thought.Well, recently I found out that soon I could. Coming out this September is ‘Two Tone Toon’, an enchanting A4 size photo-book that observes the vibrant and historical city of Newcastle through Andrew’s captivating black and white lens. Over ten years and across 304 images and 192 pages, Andrew has been able to capture not only the city’s fascinating landmarks, such as Tyne Bridge, but its everyday urban life. In doing so, he has created a time capsule; a uniquely comprehensive view of Newcastle in the early 2000s preserved for not only the enjoyment of the viewer but for future generations to observe.
The book also carries with it humble undertones. ‘Toon’ for instance, for those who live outside of the North of England, is how the locals there, also known as ‘Geordies’, say ‘town’. Indeed, the book has a seemingly osmosis quality to it, whereby the reader, as they inevitably begin to immerse themselves within Andrew’s images, experiences what it is to be an inhabitant of the town.
The fact that the imagery is in black and white, hence the name ‘Two Tone Toon’, also allows viewers to acquaint themselves with the city in a whole new way. For it is through these contrasting black and white tones that Andrew is able to play with past and present and reveal elements of the city that may otherwise go unnoticed.
We will come back to Andrew’s use of black and white photography in a moment. In the meantime, it must be pointed out that what is perhaps most unique about ‘Two Tone Town’ are the numerous angles from which the photographs are taken. Most documentary style imagery, for example, tends to focus on subjects from a purely ground level. Yet Andrew provides us with multiple views of this intriguing city, enabling us to see not only its architecture but something more ethereal - it is as if Orson Welles has decided to remake Citizen Kane but in Newcastle.
Speaking of the movies, there is also something undeniably artistic about ‘Two Tone Toon’. Take a look at the image ‘sidenight’ for instance. Here is where we can really see how Andrew’s use of black and white photography emphasises not only the physical elements of Newcastle but also the feel of it. In a way that is reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s painting, Nighthawks (1942), the darkness helps to exaggerate the lights from both the bus and the shop window. In doing so, it provides us with a snapshot of city life; one that would undoubtedly go unnoticed if it were not for Andrew’s photographic skills and cinematic style.
If you would like to get your hands on Andrew’s remarkable virtual exhibition of Newcastle, then please ensure to get in touch with him directly. You can also scan the QR code listed here, which will bring you to his website where you can view further images from the book. Individual images from the book are also available for purchase as pieces of wall art.
“Two Tone Toon” is not just a photography book; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of a city influx. Through its pages, readers are invited to witness the passage of time and the indelible mark of progress upon the urban landscape. So, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Newcastle upon Tyne, and let these monochrome memories transport you across the decades, illuminating the past while guiding the future.”
- Andrew Pounder.
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