About Man’s Ruin:
Richard Heeps has been photographing Americana in the UK and USA for over 10 years. His images capture the vibrancy of contemporary scenes inspired by 1940s and 1950s and they pay tribute to mid-century modern life, as it is lived today.
The title is adopted from the tattoo flash of American artist Sailor Jerry. It draws a selection of images together, which tells the story of the spirit and pursuit of the all American dream. The subject matter is stylish, glamorous and sometimes hedonistic. Portraits, interiors, images of burlesque, hot rods, dragsters and custom cars all feature in the collection. Heeps preserves and celebrates places where the wrecking ball is looming.
The book and exhibition take the form of a 10-year personal photo-documentary. From Santa Pod, a dragstrip in Bedfordshire in England and burlesque performers in Hollywood, California to Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, this is an account of Richard’s journey – with a group of like-minded people at odds with modernity.
Content of the exhibition
The Man’s Ruin touring exhibition contains 50 C-type hand printed photographs taken from the book.
Images can be viewed in the browse section of Richard’s website in the following sets;
Man’s Ruin
Dream in Colour
After the Gold Rush
Salton Sea
Burlesque
Drag Racing
Bonneville
Hot Heads East
A Bombers
Each gallery will be sent a list of the images available for the show. The framed images measure 59 x 59cm.
The content of the exhibition can be tailored at the request of the hiring venue. Please call 20-21 for more information.
Tour pack
Every 20-21 Touring Exhibition has a comprehensive tour pack including tour schedule, sizes of the work, insurance value, conditions of hire, packing instruction, sales information and promotional materials including hi-res images and press information. This is mailed out to the venue in advance before the exhibition.
Interpretation
Text panel, labels, large-print and Braille booklet.
Education pack
An education pack will accompany the tour. This can be used by the venue for planning related events and activities or loaned to school groups to assist them with planning a visit to the exhibition.
Merchandise to accompany the exhibitions
Available on a sale or return basis:
240 page hardback book Man’s Ruin containing 200+ colour images,
Limited edition signed photographic prints 20.3 x 25.4 cm (Housed in a print browser for visitors to flick through measuring 42cm x 24cm x 44cm)
Postcards (12 Man’s Ruin Designs)
An order form will be sent with the exhibition contract.
Merchandise will be delivered with the exhibition.
Hire fee
The hire fee is £1000 (plus VAT) for up to eight weeks and includes one-way transportation.
Availability
Available from January 2008, please call for details.