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The Visual Logbook: 1978 – Present
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A Skipper’s Eye View of the Newlyn Fishing Industry.
Documenting the Industry from the Inside Out
“Photography has always been an essential tool in my career, running parallel to my work as a skipper and my practice as a painter. Since 1978, I have carried a camera on board, capturing the reality of life at sea that few get to witness.
This archive serves as the visual backbone of my blog, Through the Gaps. It documents the evolution of the Newlyn fleet, the changing nature of our catch, and the raw, unpolished atmosphere of the working quay. These images have been used by government bodies for species identification, by TV production crews for set referencing, and by artists seeking authentic source material.”
Technical Reference.
“Used by the BBC, Cefas, and researchers for accurate historical and technical detail.”
The “Tip of the Iceberg”
Selections from the Archive: 1978–today “The Through the Gaps archive holds over 30,000 images documenting the evolution of the Newlyn fishing industry. To make this vast history accessible, I have curated a selection of highlights across nine key categories. While this online collection represents just a fraction of our records, these galleries offer a definitive glimpse into the vessels, the people, and the changing tides of the port over the last five decades.”
The Working Deck
Action, Adrenaline, and Mechanics. A visceral look at the choreography of extraction. This collection captures the immediate reality of the haul—from the strain of the winches and the weight of the nets to the intricate, dangerous dance between crew and gear amidst the heave of the sea.
The Fleet
Vessel Evolution (1978–2024). A visual timeline tracing the lineage of the fishing industry. These images document the architectural shift from the romance of traditional timber hulls to the industrial efficiency of modern steel trawlers, showcasing how design has adapted to a changing ocean economy.
Marine Species
Reference from Ocean to Plate. High-fidelity studies of catch and bycatch, focusing on anatomy, texture, and identification.
Atmosphere
Weather, Light, and Textures. Beyond the mechanics of fishing lies the environment that dictates it. This section focuses on the sensory experience of the sea: the interplay of heavy fog and deck lights, the corrosion of salt on metal, and the immense, shifting palette of the horizon.
Port Infrastructure & Social History
The Industry on Land. The fleet does not exist in a vacuum. This category explores the backbone of the trade—the quays, ice plants, processing factories, and boatyards. It captures the changing face of coastal towns and the industrial architecture that supports the harvest.
Ephemera & Documents
The Paper Trail. History captured in ink and paper. A curated selection of logbooks, weathered charts, landing declarations, and handwritten notes. These artifacts offer a tangible, graphic link to the administrative and human history of the fishing life.
The Fish Market
Commerce at Dawn. The loud, bright transition point where catch becomes commodity. These images document the frenetic energy of the auction, the geometry of stacked boxes, and the harsh neon lighting where buyers and sellers negotiate the value of the night’s work.
Fishermen
Portraits of Resilience. The human element. Candid and posed portraits focusing on the faces and hands of those who work the gear. These shots look past the oilskins to capture the camaraderie, exhaustion, and distinct character of the crews that define the industry.
Significant Events
Milestones & Memories. This gallery chronicles the pivotal moments that stopped the clock in Newlyn. From the devastation of major storms and the tragedy of vessels lost at sea, to political blockades, strikes, and royal visits. These images document the triumphs and traumas that have shaped the collective memory of the port outside the daily routine of fishing. architecture that supports the harvest.
Culinary & Cuisine
The Final Destination. The journey from crate to plate. This gallery celebrates the chefs, restaurateurs, and food heroes who transform Newlyn’s catch into world-class cuisine. From high-end plating in top restaurants to rustic harbor-side cooking demonstrations, these images showcase the gastronomic reputation of the port and the vital link between the fishermen and the food industry.
Video & Audio
Sights & Sounds of the Sea. Photography captures the moment, but film captures the movement. This section brings the archive to life with footage of the fleet in action, oral history recordings, and the ambient sounds of the harbor—from the roar of the engines to the auctioneer’s chant. A multimedia experience that lets you hear the voices and see the reality of the industry in motion.
Fishermen
Portraits of Resilience. The human element. Candid and posed portraits focusing on the faces and hands of those who work the gear. These shots look past the oilskins to capture the camaraderie, exhaustion, and distinct character of the crews that define the industry.