Steve Williams Posted November 6, 2012 Share Posted November 6, 2012 (edited) Mine came this morning, and it is well worth the wait - it really brings the memories flowing back - both of the railway as I remember it - ie not always on a sunny day from the lineside, but often from a distance or caught through a gap, or through the fog, etc - and also of the book itself and for its premature disposal. However, I was none too pleased with Amazon's delivery as they used Yodel, and they just left the parcel on the doorstep in the rain when they couldn't get an answer - I'm waiting for Amazon's explanation, and depending on what they say wil depend whether I use them again for anything. Jonathan Smith is CEO of Yodel. Here is his e.mail contact address (I presume she is his PA): emma.pollard@yodel.co.uk I should drop him a line and tell him how bad their service is. Edited November 6, 2012 by Steve Williams Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Mine has arrive. Wish I was at home to read it. Looking forward to seeing it Friday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beast66606 Posted November 7, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 7, 2012 Mother Xmas is bringing me a copy, so I've a bit to wait Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieB Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 (edited) Having cancelled my Amazon pre-order during the dates fiasco, my subsequent über-cheap order from the Book Depository arrived yesterday. Not helped by calling in at Ian Allan, Waterloo (small expense) and the remainder bookshop nearby (rather more) on the same day. Let me start by saying that it's an excellent book and worth the wait. The photographer's eye for composition and the people bringing life are excellent. Here is the railway depicted as it really was - dirty, dismal, almost depressing. So many of the pictures don't merely illustrate, they communicate the "feel" of the subject. My favourite - spoiler alert - has to be the boy in shorts scratching his "bottle and glass" while watching an A3 Pacific at Darlington. However, as this is a new book, rather than just a re-printing, I'd say that - if anything - there are perhaps too many images. I know it's Colin Gifford's trademark, but so many unrelieved low-contrast scenes (pushed Tri-X?) make me wish for a few more pictures in good weather with a wider tonal range. (It doesn't help to be looking through the book on a typical November day - come sharp, bright days in January and snow on the ground, it'll all be different...). Oh well, that's me labelled as a heretic. I see from the preface that a colour album is planned. I'll look forward to it. Edited November 9, 2012 by EddieB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmsforever Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 My copy has arrived and it is well worth waiting for,I had forgotten the quality of Mr Giffords photography, every picture is fantastic with so many details to look for.The pictures taken in the Lune Valley are especialy evocative ,his ability to obtain a picture in conditions that many would not is a true talent.Lets hope that someone will persuade the publishers to republish some more of his titles. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beast66606 Posted November 12, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2012 Mother Xmas is bringing me a copy, so I've a bit to wait My birthday book did not arrive in time so I got my copy on Sunday, as has been said a fine, evocative, book Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted November 13, 2012 Share Posted November 13, 2012 Well worth the wait. I have wanted to own a copy since I was a child and used to get it out of the library in Llantwit Major. Happy days in black and white Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard_S Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Got a copy for Xmas and I'm blown away by the imaginative approach adopted by the photographer . This is fine art and it captures a fuller picture of what the railway was like back then . If Ian Allan want some feedback; do reprint his other titles . I'd buy the lot in a heartbeat . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Trevellan Posted December 28, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 28, 2012 My copy arrived shortly before Christmas and I can't resist dipping into it at regular intervals. Colin Gifford's work has been an inspiration to me and, I know, many others, so I'm therefore delighted the decision was taken to reproduce this to current standards. A truly seminal work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Just ordered my copy from a place in Indiana (of all places). Priced at $36.00US. Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pondy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I recived my copy for Christmas. Most of the pictures were taken in the sort of light that most photographers would go straight down the pub to avoid. However colin has managed to capture the atmosphere perfectly. In some of the pictures it is only the smoke in the distance that gives any clue that there is a train somewhere in the distance. One picture that stands out for me is of a train leaving a station going off in to the distance. Somehow I have never been able to take a decent picture like this but from now on I shall keep trying. There are alot off different techniques that I am going to persue rather than the same old 3/4 front shot. Black & white pictures taken on dull days are a recipie for disaster so I thought but this book compleatly rewrites the rule book. I'm glad digital photography has come along else this could prove to be very expensive as I'm sure I shall be deleting alot of rubbish in the future as I try to emulate Colins photography. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kazmierczak Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Yes, lots of thought provoking images which make one THINK. Why did he leave that bit in? What's the idea behind that? Oh, I see now.... Trying to "do a Colin Gifford" is harder than you think..... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephenwolsten Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Does anyone have any news of Colin Gifford's forthcoming book please? Kidderminster Railway Museum has associated events 4-19 August for the 50th anniversary of the end of BR steam. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 5944 Posted June 11, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 11, 2018 Does anyone have any news of Colin Gifford's forthcoming book please? Kidderminster Railway Museum has associated events 4-19 August for the 50th anniversary of the end of BR steam. Thanks. This is on the SVR website. I'll try and find out some more info. Launch of the book 'Transition' – this is the latest book of photographs by Colin T Gifford, widely recognised as one of most important and influential photographers of the period. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny777 Posted June 11, 2018 Share Posted June 11, 2018 Transition? Sounds promising... I remember sneaking a look inside the original volume at the bookstall on Grantham station while trainspotting there in my teenage years. The man behind the counter was otherwise distracted with a customer who *could* afford to buy something. I was soon told to pay the money or take my grubby hands of the book, but had seen enough to make me determined to save up for it. I would have loved to try to emulate CTG but steam had already ended by then; and my Kodak Instamatic was somewhat lacking for that kind of photography. Oh well, never mind.... I always have the books. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Williams Posted June 11, 2018 Share Posted June 11, 2018 I have had a glimpse of about a dozen of the photographs. Yes, I will definitely be getting a copy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted June 11, 2018 Share Posted June 11, 2018 I will be putting my name down for a copy. Got all his other books and have tried and failed in my photography to emulate his style. But I will keep practicing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephenwolsten Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 On 4th August 2018, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the last regular steam working on British Railways, Colin Gifford's latest book called 'Transition' will be published. The book concentrates on the period from the late 1950s to the end of steam traction on British Railways in August 1968 and Colin has captured on camera this changing scene where diesel and electric traction was being increasingly used at the expense of the steam locomotive. Colin's pictures of this transition period are taken in his usual evocative, atmospheric and artistic style. The book contains 180 pages and 257 photographs nearly all of which show more than one form of motive power, but always with steam to be seen somewhere on the image. It is a hard back book with a dust jacket. The launch of 'Transition' will coincide with an exhibition of photographs to be held at Kidderminster Railway Museum between 4th and 19th August depicting the last few years of British Railways steam. Colin will be in attendance at the event on 4th August to sign copies of his book. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 I will be ordering a copy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul 27 Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 (edited) I will be ordering a copy. Where do you order a copy from Kiderminster Museum don't post out orders any more, so unless you visit them where else can you obtain a copy, not seen any book sellers listing this unlike all his previous books, unless they will be distributed to sellers after 4th August. Edited August 2, 2018 by paul 27 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
two tone green Posted August 3, 2018 Share Posted August 3, 2018 I hope to collect it from the museum on my way up to the Gauge O Telford show Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephenwolsten Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 Please see the separate thread on Colin Gifford's "Transition". The book is not yet available but orders can be left with KRM. I would advise checking with the Museum before going out of your way to visit in person. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul 27 Posted July 15, 2019 Share Posted July 15, 2019 Any update on the future release of his colour work In The Wink Of An Eye. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Kazmierczak Posted July 15, 2019 Share Posted July 15, 2019 It's been a long wink..... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul 27 Posted July 17, 2019 Share Posted July 17, 2019 (edited) It has since this was announced before Transition though this is an excellent book would rather see his colour work. Edited April 21, 2022 by paul 27 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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