The Flying Scotsman by Sarah Stanton Longdon
Milford photographer Ashley Franklin, along with fellow pro Ian Daisley and 50 other photographers, has published the first ever photo book of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. This 228-page hardback publication marks the culmination of a nine-year vision for Ashley, rooted in his deep ties to the valley while residing in Milford.
Initially commissioned in 2014 by the Arkwright Society during his tenure as their official photographer, Ashley’s project took flight in 2019. As well as Ian joining forces, Ashley invited other photographers to participate. Garnering an overwhelming response of 1,000 submissions, the book features nearly 500 captivating images, with Ashley’s extensive collection – spanning two decades – as the centrepiece.
Above Milford by Craig Ibbotson
Personal Introduction by Ashley
Masson Mill Textile Museum by David Boardman
When I came to live in Milford in the late ‘70s, I admit to my shame that I paid little heed to the history of both the village and Derwent Valley. Even though I inhabited a late 18th century cottage built by millowner Jedidiah Strutt on The Chevin, it wasn’t until UNESCO conferred World Heritage Site status on the valley in 2001 that I realised I was residing in a living museum of industrial heritage and that my cottage, village and valley were of ‘Outstanding Universal Value to Humanity.’
The Triangle, Milford by Ashley Franklin
Having previously broken the ice at parties by declaring that Timothy Dalton of James Bond fame ‘lived down our road’ (the truth was that Tim’s parents occupied a house a mile along The Chevin) my new ice-breaker became: ‘Without Milford, there would be no Manhattan.’ I learnt that William Strutt had ensured that the mill at Milford – along with a few in Belper – was iron framed and fire-safe, paving the way towards the building of skyscrapers.
From 2014, I immersed myself further in the valley’s heritage as official photographer for the Arkwright Society, and was commissioned to produce the first photo book of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. After nearly 10 years hard work, that book was finally published.
Red Kite, Milford by Sarah Stanton Longdon
I’m proud of this rich, diverse photographic record as it not only highlights the historical significance of the valley but also encapsulates its communities and its bountiful biodiversity in the thematic sections People & Places and Wildlife. However, it’s the Industrial Heritage section which provided the thrust of this book project. It commemorates the valley not only as a cradle of the Industrial Revolution but also as the birthplace of the factory system. Overall, this book celebrates an environment where mills, factories, workshops, houses and landscapes have been variously restored, rejuvenated and preserved.
There are photos in the book by not only me but also other Milford-based photographers: Sarah Stanton Longdon, David Boardman and Jane McCarthy. Furthermore, David’s image taken at Masson Mill Textile Museum won first prize in the Industrial Heritage category, whilst Sarah’s photo of the Flying Scotsman steaming through Milford was a 2nd place winner in the People & Places category. She also won a Highly Commended award for an image of Belper Mill reflected in the leat waters and was also commended for her shot of a red kite she captured while on The Chevin.
‘Mistical’ Walkway, The Chevin by Ashley Franklin
To see other photos, click here: https://www.derwentvalleyimages.co.uk/
To purchase the book, click here: https://www.derwentvalleyimages.co.uk/purchase-book
