A Great British Love Story

The photo series ‘Caravan’ documents the colourful world of caravaning in the UK and the some of the 1.5 million people who enjoy caravanning each year.

Taking your accommodation with you on holiday is something Brits have done for more than a century. There is nothing more evocative of the British holiday than the caravan, come rain on steamed­ up windows or sunshine on striped deckchairs. Like most well­ established traditions, caravanning has its own unique set of practices, paraphernalia and patrons. this series seeks to explore the subculture of caravanning and the people who make it what it is.

I travelled the UK, from the beaches of Somerset to the banks of Loch Ness to create a warm, witty and charming portrait of caravanning and its many devotees. Part portraiture and part documentary – I set out to illustrate why people love to caravan, as well as to go behind the scenes to capture an intimate take on the caravanning lifestyle.The series focuses on the eccentric characters, the beautiful locations and the inanimate details specific to caravaning.

Having spent many weeks within the caravanning community the enjoyment people take from caravanning seems to stem from our little­ used, but hard wired, primary instincts. Our modern existence is so far removed from the experience of our ancestors and we seem to yearn to return to a lower­ tech life – even if it’s just for a week.

It’s not the easiest way to relax – there are obstacles to overcome at every turn – and even the morning expedition across cold wet fields to reach the shower block can feel like a triumph over adversity (once the mission is accomplished). But the rewards for sticking with it and embracing the challenge are numerous. That is the back to basic charm of caravaning.

click to view the complete set of images in the archive