Photographs from 'New Society' magazine

Patrick Ward, The Pearly King and Queen of Southwark, 1977. Museum no. E.74-2006. Given by Paul Barker

The pioneering weekly publication New Society was founded in 1962 and continued as an independent magazine until 1988. Focusing on everyday people from all corners of modern Britain, it carried articles on education, sociology, politics, economics and human geography. In a rapidly changing political climate, the magazine remained committed to improving the lives of the underprivileged through investigating the ethnic and non-metropolitan communities that constituted 'the other Britain'.

In addition to research by leading sociologists, New Society published the writings of a broad array of thinkers and critics, including the architectural historian Reyner Banham, the novelist Angela Carter and the social anarchist Colin Ward. By the late 1960s, its reputation for innovative content gave rise to weekly sales of almost 40,000 copies.

New Society was visually arresting. In its writing and its photography it consciously followed in the footsteps of Picture Post, for which its first editor and publisher had worked. The magazine carried a large number of illustrations and black and white photographs, which, as its editor Paul Barker wrote, 'helped to give statistics a human face.' In doing so, it engaged with young British photojournalists working in the tradition of 'concerned' photography and recognised early the talent of figures such as Brian Griffin, Martin Parr, Chris Steele-Perkins and Homer Sykes. Many have gone on to achieve wide acclaim.

This was a period in which photography achieved greater recognition in the UK. In New Society, art critic John Berger covered individual photographers, books on photographic theory and the growing number of photography exhibitions, including several at the V&A.

Homer Sykes, Gotcha!, 1978. Museum no. E.66-2006. Given by Paul Barker

The Other Britain

To celebrate New Society's 20th anniversary in 1982, editor Paul Barker and art director Tony Garrett organized an exhibition of photographs that had featured in the magazine from the late 1960s on. Most had originally been commissioned by the magazine, while some were from photographers' personal projects. Entitled 'The Other Britain', the exhibition was shown at the National Theatre, and then toured by the Photographers' Gallery to colleges and galleries around Britain. It was accompanied by an essay collection, also called 'The Other Britain'.

In 2005 Paul Barker donated the 49 prints from the exhibition to the V&A. This display comprises a selection of those photographs, by twenty-three photographers, alongside covers and spreads from the magazine. The photographs represent an important addition to the Museum's holdings and provide an insight into a significant chapter in British photojournalism.

Euan Duff, conservative candidate canvassing in local election

Euan Duff (born 1939), Conservative Candidate Canvassing in Local Election, South London, Gelatin silver print, 1961. Museum no. E.76-2006 Given by Paul Barker

Out of Work Miner Gathering Scrap Wood, Shotton

Bryn Campbell (born 1933), Out of Work Miner Gathering Scrap Wood, Shotton. Gelatin silver print, 1973. Museum no. E.57-2006 Given by Paul Barker

'Opera for All', Singer on Tour in Suffolk

Published in New Society, 23 December 1976, to accompany the article 'Local Glands for Hire' by Jeremy Bugler, pp.605-607. The caption reads 'Opera for All: a performance of Die Fledermaus in a village hall uses a classroom'.

County cricket match between Kent and Sussex

County cricket match between Kent and Sussex, Nevill Cricket Ground, Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival. Derek Underwood leaves the field to the applause of his oldest fans.
Published in New Society, 22 June 1978, to accompany the article 'Is County Cricket Dying?' by David White, cover and pp.651-653.

Anti-War March in London

Published on the cover of New Society, 27 May 1982, 'The Falklands: the limits of war'. Another photograph by Jurgen Schadeberg was published to accompany the article 'A hard rain falls on the peace march' by Ian Walker, pp.330-331.

Boys at Royal Wedding

Sarah King (born 1954), 'Boys at Royal Wedding', Gelatin silver print, 1981. Museum no. E.61-2006 Given by Paul Barker

Congregation at Pecket Well Chapel Harvest Festival, West Yorkshire

Published in New Society, 5 January 1978 in the feature 'Arts in Society: The face in the picture' by Paul Barker, pp.24-25, a review of the exhibition Hebden Bridge, Beauty Spots: Martin Parr, held at the Photographers' Gallery, London, 15 December 1977 - 10 January 1978.