The Incredible Photography I found in a Fish & Chip Shop (feat. Frank Meadow Sutcliffe)

[@petemulhearn7787]

Thank you Sean for taking the time to resurrect the work of this amazing artist.

[@willsx2]

Wow, beautiful photography. Thank you for exposing me to this amazing artist. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for prints

[@TheJoshuaborden]

MY FATHER RECENTLY PASSED AWAY AND I DISCOVERED NUMEROUS PHOTO BOOKS BY SUTCLIFFE IN MY FATHERS BOOK COLLECTION. AMAZING STUFF. I FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS WORK INSTANTLY. I'LL TREASURE THOSE BOOKS.

[@costascosta273]

The compositions are exceptional but also the clarity of these images, the density, the pop is unreal. This guy was born 170 years ago. One thing is for sure. Gear really doesn’t matter…

[@trojanhman8136]

Except I think the size of the negative has to be taken into consideration.

[@Whatreally123]

Well to get a certain look, the gear does matter but o make great photographs it doesn't.

[@arunashamal]

slow shutter speeds have tendency to smooth out gradients of shadows and highlights. you can take the same looking photos if you used a slow shutter..

[@jsimes1]

He was a professional, so I assume he had the best, most expensive gear available at the time.

[@trojanhman8136]

@@arunashamal Thank you, I didn't know that.

[@thomashecht71]

What a brilliant photographer. And I really liked Mr. Shaw‘s interesting narration; it gave so much perspective to how extraordinary Sutcliffe‘s approach was. Thank you for this video, Sean, fantastic content.

[@rickbiessman6084]

I agree. While the work speaks for itself and is absolutely stunning even without any context, the insights from Mr. Shaw really give perspective and he points out so many remarkable things about both the work as well as Sutcliffe that just makes me appreciate it that much more.

[@CharlesLambert137]

It's interesting that in this time when so many are predicting the end of the work of photography, care of AI, along comes this story from the dawn of photography. And what was this creative, Frank Sutcliffe, remembered for? His gear? The tech he employed? The work that earned him a good (assumably) living? No, it was his ability to connect with his subjects, to allow him to get the shot, and with his viewers, who took the time to appreciate his art. That's the job of a photographer. Photography is the realm of humanity, not technology. It is so striking, how modern, how normal his work looks. We're not used to seeing candid shots from that era. Such a gift Frank Sutcliffe offers us. Brilliant!

[@bluejay3945]

Outstanding comment

[@wellsyboy]

At the time that was the technology though - what would he use were he around now given that he was relatively well off - so whilst there is truth in what you say, it is not really a valid point from the gear point of view. Who knows what he would have used were he around in another era.......

[@deanconway8776]

​@@wellsyboyyou have missed the point, he is clearly saying you do not need hi tech equipment to create great images. It's the person behind the camera and not the camera itself.

[@TimGreigPhotography]

Totally agree. I would add though that his camera also produced outstanding quality, even by today's standards. Hard to beat a large format negative.

[@rickbiessman6084]

Thank you so much Sean for introducing me to this unbelievably beautiful work. Excellent interview. If Sutcliffe had known at the time that a little over a century later people would be able to see his work in their homes, and that at least one of them would be moved to tears by his photographs. What a genius. I’m lost for words.

[@21jlxi]

Stunning photos, I think it's worth noting that the early photographers shooting this style were influenced by painters rather than other photographers when it came to composition, obviously not too many photographers around back then. When I see some of his seaside photos, I can imagine these looking as good in an oil painting, and many paintings were done of the seaside villages. Thanks Sean for the video, great to watch.

[@desgardner7169]

This man photographed all the local places near and far, the most important pictures are of people and places and buildings......take note, Landscapes, Fine Art, and even Wild life pictures will mean nothing in years to come! This man is a legend in recording all things that matter! he produced some wonderful pictures.......Thank you for reminding people about this Photographer......

[@grahamrichards8531]

Well said, great advice (and perhaps, get back to medium format!)

[@kennethmartinez2089]

They look like paintings. He was a master of his craft.

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

I'm quite surprised by how many photographers have never heard of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, who, in my opinion, is undoubtedly one of the greatest British photographers. He was the first photographer to capture my imagination, and I remember being mesmerized by his images during a visit to Whitby in my early teens in the early 1970s. His work captivated me not only for its historical content but also for the sheer beauty of its composition. One of his photographs even adorned my bedroom wall during my teenage years. For many years afterward, no trip to Whitby was complete without a visit to the Sutcliffe Gallery, so I was saddened to find out it had closed. Frank Meadow Sutcliffe is an integral part of Whitby's heritage, and it is an absolute travesty that his photographs are not on permanent display. I visited the museum last year, and nobody could tell me when they would have a permanent Sutcliffe Gallery; all I could find were a few postcards. Has the museum given any indication of when we will be able to see his photographs?

[@rickbiessman6084]

I don’t live in the UK, but man, would I love to see his work in a gallery!!!

[@canturgan]

He was a commercial photographer so he would be seen as far too vulgar to be taken seriously as a gentleman photographer. There was a lot of snobbery in the art world.

[@WayneThorn-i2r]

They don't get any better than this. 10/10 the tones and composition are perfection. These large format cameras are still unpar for picture quality and rendition❤

[@hoonior]

I've been meaning to watch this since you published it and just found time.What a stunning and fascinating way to start a Sunday morning. From the way you introduced it, through the interview and the summary, it's just perfect. Thank you.

[@_andy_gibb_]

I'm so glad you discovered his work - he's probably the first photographer I encountered (sometime in the 90s) who really made me think wow! He captured Whitby and its people so well. The photo of the boy and his toy boat is probably one of my favourites of his. Sorry to hear the gallery closed but I'm happy to hear his collection is safe with the museum.

[@VirtualTourPhotographer]

That is stunning work! It makes me think about how I try to capture events or people going about their business in virtual tours, where I have to shoot brackets and ask people to be still for me for 3 frames and not even blink. This is truly inspiring.

[@AnthonyJGianotti]

What strikingly beautiful work 🤯

[@adithompson199]

Wonderful exposure of a new (old) photography artist. Just bought 3 of his photography books to study. I find this a wonderful explanation of time, communication, commitment, judgement and discipline as we live in such a fast "need it yesterday" throw away culture. Use your time well and your work may become a legacy. In time.

[@happyjackphoto]

These shots are beautiful. Thank you for sharing

[@bkwatkinscom]

A marvelous production of an artist many of us haven't heard of. Thanks for sharing the beautiful work of this man.

[@sweetyvenkatesh7819]

Such an amazing art work by Frank. Brilliant! Thank you so much Sean, for sharing this gem of a discovery with us.

[@OwenEDell]

Stunning. I wish I could take such unforgettable photographs. His work is new to me and I'm grateful to you for bringing this to our attention.

[@peterhewitson71]

Great story thanks for sharing it with us . Loved the photos

[@TiaraMenjivar]

Thank you for introducing us to this incredible artist. ❤️‍🔥

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

What a really interesting video - thank you! And what wonderful images created by Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. It was so surprising and impressive that he was was able to overcome the technical constraints of equipment from this early era of photography to show, for example, the very obviously relaxed and loving bond between grandparents and their young grandchildren.

[@pascalthiebaud]

What a magnificent legacy. Sometimes it's nice to see where we come from to understand the importance of legacy. Legacy is maybe the difference between human and nature. Beutiful image and good reflexion about slowing down the way we're taking pictures. Thanks Sean.

[@jackpreston6034]

Great video. Was unaware until watching this that the Sutcliffe gallery had closed, but the Whitby Museum really is a gem so safe to say the collection is in great hands.

[@harryflashman4542]

You have done a real service to us by bringing these beautiful images to our attention with such care and grace. A touching documentary that brings the history, depth and magic of photography alive.

[@runninblue9415]

Man was a genius, the real history of this country. Great legacy. Nice video work 👍

[@Ktizo_Images]

What a treat! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@wherezthebeef]

Wow, Sean, what an eye opener. All of our obsession over: sharpness, "color science" , dynamic range, obsession with gear.. goes to show, it's the artistic vision that counts. Sutcliffe's work is just timeless. 🙏

[@adamcook5940]

Extraordinarily beautiful photographs, thank you so much for sharing this x

[@wcwendychapman]

Beautiful video in which you showed the beautiful aspects of Whitby. I love Sutcliffe's work and it is great you shared them with us.

[@Wpoolesf]

Wonderful, Sean. Thanks for this important post.

[@v2gbob]

What a spectacular find! Beautiful images. Probably the best I have ever seen from that era. Thank you for discovering Sutcliffe and introducing him (or re-introducing him as the case may be) to the world! And I can't wait to purchase a print or two to hang in my wall!

[@jerryhughes4720]

Thanks both of you for this video. I had not seen these wonderful images before, not only are they historically/ethnologically important but the ones chosen are beautiful. Thank you.

[@paullesliehutson5818]

An absolutely excellent introduction to Frank Meadow Sutcliffe’s work Sean (and his archive collection at the Whitby Museum). Well Done!

[@dpfreedman]

Oh my! What a revelation. Thank you so much for bringing Frank Sutcliffe's breathtakingly beautiful photographs to us. Such a remarkable window to a lost world. And, Sean, also impressive is your perceptive and eloquent commentary.

[@MattJefferyPhotography]

A million shades of grey :) I'm struck by the tone of these pictures, from the deepest blacks to white there is soooo much tonality, it's beautiful. So much of today's photography takes those tones away and is in-your-face contrast. Add to that his ability to connect with his subject, fantastic. Great video Sean, thanks.

[@joshdowler9195]

My family are from Beverley Sean and my mum and dad have a had two framed Sutcliffe photos in their dining room since I was a child, I always found myself looking at them during dinner time as a kid and they were two images that always inspired me to take up photography as a young adult.

[@bhavinlakdawala8089]

Thanks for sharing the work of this truly genius timeless photographer!

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Wow Sutcliffe's photography was so incredible. Thank you for sharing Sean.

[@einfach-frank]

Chapeau, Mr. Sutcliffe! Chapeau, Sean! Really Masterclass. We can learn a lot from his Photographs, they combine Patience, Accuracy and Passion. Far beyond every Disscussion about Gear or Equipment. Thanks for another wonderful video. 🙏🇩🇪 Frank

[@SteveSSBB]

Thank you, Sean.

[@canturgan]

His pictures are dripping with atmosphere. Beautiful pictures.

[@nvrumi]

Wow! This was a wonderful look at Sutcliffe's work. I was completely unaware of him, but am so grateful to be introduced to his work. Thank you.

[@warrickcoe5576]

I feel like a beginner compared to these astounding photos. The mastery is immense. The eye he had in a fledging medium is remarkable. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeffreyHauser]

Hi Sean. Thank you for showcasing Frank Suitcliffe’s beautiful work. I am amazed at the effort that he made with respect to “posing” his subjects in an artistic, yet authentic manner, that look completely candid & natural. No doubt he must have been able to relate well to his subjects & that he was a master of the photographic tools that he possessed to make his photographs in such a beautiful & compelling style. 😊

[@rickbiessman6084]

So amazing, I agree. He was a street photographer when street photography wasn’t even possible yet because the technology didn’t exist.

[@bencompson]

Never heard of him. Never saw his work. But now I'm completely enthralled. Just remarkable and so ahead of his time.

[@sebastianop.3052]

Just thanks Sean, did is a great video and thanks to discover and share with us.

[@christinekemp6020]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful work.

[@davidatkinson1413]

Thank you Sean. As a Yorkshire born ex-pat living in Canada for the past 40+ years this was a breath of air in my lungs and a desire to go shoot in Whitby when we get back there. Mr. Sutcliffe’s work and use of light is amazing and well above many photographers today. I will be sure to visit the museum. Again, thanks.

[@christianpereira3686]

Thank you so much for making videos like this, and for preserving this form of art.

[@araudan]

Those images are pure poetry.

[@morganmccartan6075]

Wow, what a fantastic series of photos! Very impressive even without considering the limitations he was working with. Mike Shaw also came across as very knowledgeable and passionate about the work of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. Thank you for introducing me to yet another exceptional body of work!

[@anthonyverolme]

Thank you for this wonderful and atmospheric portrait of Mr. Sutcliffe, Sean. You can only imagine how it was like to be a photographer back in those days... The photograph of the milkmaid has to be my favourite! 🇳🇱 Warmest regards from The Netherlands!

[@brunodomingues8672]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful pictures from a photography pioneer… may God continue to bless your work Mr Sean Tucker

[@GeorgeAllanPortraits]

Sean - Excellent video and thank you for the wonderful introduction to Mr Sudcliffe’s work -

[@ratgirl13]

Really stunning photos, my favorite photo being the last one-the little boy and the boat. Thank you Sean, it’s always a pleasure to watch any of your videos.❤

[@philbraithwaite1316]

Perfect bit of Sunday afternoon viewing, superb!

[@montanaguy51]

Excellent Video! Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed this! This guy was an amazing photographer! I’d like to explore his work more…

[@micmojo]

such beautiful images… thanks for sharing, very inspiring!

[@stuartschwartz5341]

Such a thoughtful and moving video. Kudos!

[@MorganHJackson]

Beautiful photography. It's great seeing these "candids" from so long ago, that's not something you see elsewhere.

[@kiwipics4003]

According to a commentator I encountered, our 'voice' is how WE interpret and document the inspiration of our hearts, in the world that is before us. There were no doubt a multitude of unity songs before Lennon wrote Imagine. A plethora of Churchill portraits before Karsh's, and now we see Sutcliffe's memorable rendering of what was before him and moldable into his narrative. Thankyou Sean for reminding us yet again that our time is now, and we too can find our 'voice' and create images that will last. Regards -Greg

[@Frombehindthelens]

Thanks for sharing Sean amazing story.

[@StefanBacum]

WOW! The way these images look and thinking about the gear he had...the man had such a great eye and such great ideas for images! And the subject matter is so awesome, its like street photography in the 19th century!

[@TRC_PNW]

This is how I felt seeing Darius Kinsey’s work hanging in various rough bars and clubs around Seattle back in the ‘80s and 90’s. Similar story as well - he worked as a portrait photographer to feed his family and pay the bills, then hauled plates far into the woods to shoot loggers as a passion. Both produced amazing work and thank you for turning us on to Sutcliffe.

[@TNrick]

Wonderful video. Thanks so much for putting this together. 🙏🙏🙏

[@WendyDphoto]

What a fantastic find. Thank you for finding out more, following up and sharing with us. Slow down, think, and create. Wonderful as always

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Those are amazing photos of simple, but equally amazing people!

[@garynewington]

Hello Sean, fantastic video, it brings home how much skill this gentleman needed. I am an amateur photographer, on holiday in Robin Hoods bay this week. It has inspired me to visit Whitby to take some photos. I will defiantly look to visit the museum. Thank you

[@richardgundry2750]

Sean, been following your journey and videos for many years. They're informative, educational and thought provoking. I treat the time I take to watch them as a quiet relaxing break from the hectic daily noise. This one was really special, the b&w images with the faded back grounds looked timeless. Thank you for sharing.

[@ENC_VIDS_Photo]

Great Video Sean and enjoying your style. Like you have never heard of Frank Meadow Sutcliff, great find and great artist. Love his work and thanks for sharing.

[@BrianChristopherPhotography]

A brilliant video! Your guest was amazing in his knowledge of the photographer and his life.

[@davidgates3044]

While I don’t expect to create work that would be nearly as artistic as Frank Sutcliffe’s, his work reminds me why I love photography. The beauty and honesty of his images are inspiring. Thanks Sean for sharing this great artist’s work and being an artist yourself to recognize the importance of his work.

[@SA-jr6ce]

Great video and story to go along with it. Thank you for sharing with us :)

[@malteplath]

Thanks for making us aware of this artist!

[@gregsimmons1709]

Respectful presentation of beautiful images along with valuable context, history and insights to the artist’s thinking. Just… wow!

[@EmilianoDiCocco]

I could stare at those photos for hours, they are amazing. The thing that leaves me most speechless is the quality of the light, even though they must have been taken at different times, it always seems like there's almost the same light. Speechless!

[@Batch2103]

Thank you Sean for showcasing the work of F M Sutcliffe. I'm very lucky to have studied his work when I did my ND. There is such a different mindset to composing an image that takes seconds to record to plate, as opposed to fractions of a second on a sensor. As you said so eloquently, in effect, it raises the question of what and when is the decisive moment.

[@ticticboom1]

Great video Sean. Having visited Whitby several times I was aware of the work of FMS, You can see it all over the town. It was really good however to hear Mike explaining the background story behind the images. I have a better appreciation of the hard work and time that FMS put into creating his masterpieces. Thanks again for this episode.

[@silviuavramescu4616]

Waw ❤ no words just beautiful ❤

[@markgoostree6334]

This was/is one of your very best videos. I am talking about your comments about how we should take time to consider our photography. All of the little aspects of capturing the view before us. Of how we could think and dwell on scene for just a minute, enjoy thinking about what we do as a photographer.... after all, we stop time in a way. We freeze a tiny slice of life to be viewed for years on top of years. Just think of what we would have missed if Mr. Sutcliffe had not made the effort. Those were extraordinary photographs.

[@kristensmith9029]

Wow, I'm a new photographer that adores your channel. This artist was ahead of his time and the photographs are just stunning. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@ChoppersModelworks]

I really enjoyed this, seen his work over my life often especially when it was more popular back in the 70's. I suspect with how people traveled less distance pre 1920 approximately that many of the small district or county museums might have some interesting regional photographers work from the period. I think many people love the old occupational photography to see how people worked and what they wore or tools they used for their often specialty occupation.

[@ashodgkin]

I came across his photography probably around thirty years ago on a day trip to Whitby and bought some prints from the Sutcliffe gallery, two of which you showed in the video. There is just something special about his work. The old fisherman with his cork life belt and the girl with the fishing net under her arm are especially wonderful.

[@andyblessett1951]

I became aware of Sutcliffe back in the eighties. I visited Whitby and saw many of his works shown around the town, I was inspired! Unfortunatley, even though my camera gear was more advanced than his, it brought home to me that the man was a genius, for the pictures he produced with the equipment he had, he was a true Photographic Master.

[@magalazambrano3436]

Oh my ..what a beauty!!! Thanks for sharing this magnificent work!! ✨

[@dancing_matters]

That was incredible. Thanks Sean for sharing something so unique and beautiful and niche....I would have never seen his work without you doing this kind of work

[@birgittavonkrosigk8486]

Lovely video, thanks Sean!

[@narelle4868]

I can't thank you enough for your exposé of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. I've been lucky to acquire 2 books published by the Sutcliffe Gallery in the 70s. My copies are 80s reprints and I treasure them. Bill Egon Shaw's introductions are superb. Sutcliffe's work is incredible and there is a lot to learn from him.

[@chrishowitt9654]

Amazing you managed to find this artist just by chance. Wonderful that you're showing his work to us all. Thank you.

[@Hangiinjohnny]

There’s something special about finding someone’s work you may have never seen before and you dive in and find something amazing you can take away and add something to your repertoire

[@sammyjaketucker]

Stunning beautiful work

[@NorbertGünther-u8v]

Yes incredibly, thanks!

[@VancouverDen]

Thank you, Sean, for giving us this marvellous story that reflects your skill, talent and integrity. First-class presentation, as always.

[@Jazzshots]

A great photographer capturing Social history... Thank you Sean for finding this man and sharing here...

[@joseguimaraes1094]

Thank you, Sean for sharing this marvelous pictures of Francis Meadow Sutcliffe, a photographer that I absolutly know nothing about. Have a nice weekend. All the best.

[@brianmckeever5280]

So kool! Spectacular subject and his images are great. Thank you!

[@monks-pearse7892]

This was excellent Sean. The photographs were stunning. I’ll definitely look out for those prints of Frank’s images. Stunning. A great story to tell.