ED.EM.03 - Henry Mullins / Michelle Sank
Henry Mullins and Michelle Sank represent 165 years of the practice of photographic portraiture in Jersey. That period has seen the island undergo major social and economic changes. Through these photographers’ works, we examine those changes and the power structures that remain in place within this insular society. Between 1850-73 Henry Mullins made over 9000 carte de visite portraits of Jersey’s ruling elite and wealthy upper classes. The collection that exists of his work comes through his studio albums, in which he placed his clients in an ordered grid with reference to mid-nineteenth century social hierarchies. Pairing his images with portraits made in 2013 by Michelle Sank as the inaugural Archisle International Photographer-in-Residence reflects upon a culturally diverse and more inclusive demographic of islanders as Jersey has evolved as a community supported primarily by an agricultural, maritime and emerging tourism economies to a contemporary international finance centre.
About Éditions Emile
The first set of publications will be a series of small photo-zines comprising of 48 pages with an average of 30-40 images and a short text providing further context. Publishing three new editions annually, that will be affordable for everyone with an interest in Jersey’s rich cultural heritage and photographic collections held in the Société Jersiaise Photographic Archive.
Images: Henry Mullins and Michelle Sank
Text: Gareth Syvret
Editors: Patrick Cahill and Martin Toft
140x200mm
48 pages
30 images
Print-run: 200
Printed by: Park Communications
Publication date: 24 June 2021