In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Andy Aitchison (@AndyAitchison.uk)
Andy Aitchison is a documentary photographer best known for his long-term exploration of the UK prison system. Since first photographing inside HMP Wandsworth in 2004, he has spent more than two decades documenting life behind bars, gaining rare access to prisons across the country. His work moves beyond stereotypes, portraying prisoners and staff with dignity while revealing the realities of confinement, rehabilitation and institutional life.
Aitchison's photographs often focus on work, education and everyday routines, highlighting the humanity of people living and working within the prison estate rather than sensationalising crime. Strict security protocols and ethical considerations, including prisoner consent and restrictions on identifiable images, shape his practice. His photography has supported charities, featured regularly in Inside Time, the UK's national newspaper for prisoners, and formed part of major exhibitions and publications examining Victorian prisons.
Andy Aitchison’s new book Incarcerated offers a compelling photographic exploration of life behind prison walls, combining striking imagery with human stories. The collection challenges assumptions about incarceration, revealing resilience, vulnerability and the complex realities experienced by people within the UK justice system.
To order your copy of Incarcerated go to: https://bluecoatpress.co.uk/product/incarcerated-andy-aitchison/
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