Mark Power will give an artist talk in the MPF gallery coinciding with the release of a brand new edition of The Shipping Forecast, followed by a book signing of advance copies. The Shipping Forecast was Mark's first book, originally published in 1996.

Thirty years ago, Mark embarked on a journey to photograph the thirty-one sea areas around the coasts of the British Isles to create a visual representation of the shipping forecast. For nearly 100 years, the forecast has been broadcast four times a day by BBC radio and has seeped into the British public consciousness - it is a constant in an ever-changing world.

The newly edited, revised and much-expanded edition, published by GOST, 2022, includes over 100 previously unpublished photographs.

Mark will discuss the making of this work on the evening and share many images from the project.

‘The shipping forecast, of course, exists to save lives. It warns those at sea, or about to put to sea, of approaching storms. But for the majority of us, in Britain at least, its’ strange, rhythmic language is unashamedly romantic and oddly reassuring, despite forming an image of an island nation perpetually buffeted by wind and waves.’  – Mark Power


Image 1 - Cromarty. Wednesday 18 August 1993. Variable 3 or less, becoming southwesterly 3 or 4, occasionally 5. Occasional rain later. Mainly good. © Mark Power / Magnum Photos

Image 2 - Dover. Thursday 5 August 1993. Westerly 3, increasing 4 or 5. Occasional rain later. Good becoming moderate. © Mark Power / Magnum Photos

Image 3 - Hebrides. Wednesday 25 August 1993. Southeasterly becoming variable 2 or 3. Rain at times. Moderate or good. © Mark Power / Magnum Photos

Image 4 - Malin. Monday 6 September 1993. Southeast backing easterly 4 or 5, increasing 6 in south. Mainly fair. Moderate or good. © Mark Power / Magnum Photos

Image 5 - Wight. Saturday 18 February 1995. Northwesterly backing southwesterly 6 or 7, increasing gale 8 for a time. Showers then rain. Good becoming moderate or poor. © Mark Power / Magnum Photos