Peak photographer heads for the coast. WITH GALLERY
PHOTOGRAPHER Ray Manley is already missing the hills.
After 29 years as the Peak District's official photographer, he has moved back to the south coast where he was born and bred.
But, he says, he is already hankering after the dramatic landscapes and wild open spaces of his beloved National Park – a place he knows like the back of his hand after nearly three decades capturing its nooks, crannies and moods.
Ray arrived in the Peak District fresh out of Manchester College of Art in 1978 – and the worst of all winters was here to greet him.
He said: "That winter is still the worst I have ever known. Coming from the south I didn't know whether that was normal or not!
"I lived in Buxton at the time too – really the worst place you can be in that sort of weather – and it really was quite extreme. Over the 29 years I've watched those winters disappear. You definitely don't get them like that any more!"
Ray beat off competition from 56 other applicants in 1978 to land the sought-after job with the Peak District National Park Authority.
Now aged 60, he said: "I have always been attracted by the hills – whether it be the Lakes, the Peak District or Scotland, all those beautiful places. I knew the Peak District a little from my time in Manchester so I was pleased to get the job here and start to get to know it better."
Over the years his photographs have been used in numerous books about the park, and his images have graced every official document, display, exhibition and poster.
Where's your favourite Peak District view? Post your comments below.
He says he has loved every minute.
"It's the wild open spaces, that big open countryside. What I love especially is the tremendous contrast between the Dales and the wild moorlands; it's not just a singular landscape, there is such a variety.
"I think I was first drawn to the more bleak wild spaces, but as I have got older I started to appreciate the Dales a bit more – particularly as there's less of a walk to get to them!"
Ray has worked and lived all the over National Park, but said his favourite spot of all was Stanage Edge near Hathersage.
He said: "Photographically it's such a big view when you get up there. Whichever way you look there is wild open spaces and you don't see much sign of habitation. You also get these lovely skies – plus it's only 10 minutes to walk up!"
His favourite medium is still black and white.
He said: "When I first started I had a dark room and everything was in black and white, but today it's still my favourite. It's the drama of it – when you simplify it down to black and white you are just left with the shapes.
READ MORE
News
Sport
HAVE YOU ENTERED OUR FOOTIE TRICKS COMPETITION YET? CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS. Colour can sometimes add, but sometimes it can get in the way.”
Now Ray, who last lived in Frecheville, Sheffield, has moved back down south to care for his mother Ada.
But he is looking forward to continuing photography in his retirement, accompanied by his new black labrador puppy Morgan – a retirement present from staff at the Park.
And, although he said it was nice to be back by the seaside, he said he was already missing the hills.
He said: “When you’re in the middle of the country and have been born and bred at the seaside you do miss the coast so it’s nice to be back.
“But to be honest I’m already hankering after the hills so I know it won’t be long until I’m back.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
