In the days after the brilliant Newcastle photographer Tish Murtha passed away prematurely in 2013, her daughter made a firm decision to preserve her mother’s legacy.
Now, with the publication of the book, Youth Unemployment, Ella Murtha has realised that ambition.
Tish’s evocative images vividly depict the often harsh reality of life in Newcastle’s West End in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Her powerful photographic essays have gathered widespread acclaim, and been the subject of prestigious exhibitions and high-profile newspaper features.
The pictures capture the hardships of young people in marginalised Tyneside communities during the early Thatcher years.
Now, some of Tish’s most striking work can be found within the pages of the newly-published book.
Daughter Ella, 33, said: “I’m absolutely delighted the book has come to fruition. It was massively important to me that it was published. The end result is really impressive. It’s a lovely hardback book. My mam’s personality and passion shines through the photographs. And we’ve included her personal hand-written notes and an essay she wrote to give it a really personal feel.”
The finance for the £25 book, which is published by Bluecoat Press, came from a successful kickstarter funding campaign.
Ella, who lives on Teesside, hoped to raise £8,000 in a month. In the event, that figure was reached in just one day.
She said: “We have produced a limited edition of 1,000 books. More than 400 went straight away to people who paid through kickstarter. The rest are available to buy.”
Born in South Shields and brought up in Newcastle, Tish Murtha died from a brain aneurysm on the day before her 57th birthday. Her photographic legacy throws a uniquely important light on the struggles of a community she knew so well and cared so deeply about.
Ella added: “We are currently curating my mam’s photos for a major London exhibition – and we hope to take it on tour.”
Youth Unemployment, by Tish Murtha, Bluecoat Press, £25, is available from the following outlets:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1908457392
https://www.photobookstore.co.uk/photobook-youth-unemployment.html
And available to order from Waterstone's online and in-store https://www.waterstones.com/book/youth-unemployment/tish-murtha/9781908457394
