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By Amy Davies
26 June 2026 / 10:30 BST
David George’s new book, Imperfect, showcases over 200 unpublished photographs—striking night‑time colour shots and images produced with a centuries‑old printmaking technique.
These works are drawn from a remarkable archive of more than 4,000 images captured while he walked hundreds of miles along the major river corridors of North‑East England.
George’s itinerary spanned the three principal rivers of the region: the Tees, the Tyne, and the Wear. He began at Hartlepool on the River Tees, trekking north to Berwick. The following year he explored the Wear, then the Tyne, and finally the North and South Tyne.
Among the most compelling pieces are his monochrome photogravures—a rare intaglio method that he hand‑prints. The technique embraces imperfection, resulting in subtle yet powerful images that capture landscapes shaped by industry and invite reflection on our relationship with the land.
Self‑taught in this medium, George embraces the method’s inherent unpredictability. Each print from a single plate can differ slightly, with unique marks that add a handmade character.
Central to George’s oeuvre is the end of the industrial revolution in the West and the ongoing dialogue about land stewardship. He frames his images not as critique but as conversation starters: “It exists—what do you make of it?”
David George, a native of Middlesbrough, has spent 45 years as a freelance photographer. He currently teaches analogue and alternative‑process photography at London Metropolitan University and resides in East London.
Imperfect is published by MuseumsEtc and is available for purchase now. ISBN: 9781912528653.
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