PPC/04 - ‘CAEADDA’
About the Prints:
For PPC/04 the PPC presents four images from David J Shaw’s ‘Caeadda’ project, recently exhibited as a solo show at Ffotogalleri y Gofeb in Machynlleth, Wales, where the images were made.
Caeadda explores the community of upland (hill) farmers in the Dyfi Valley area of Wales, examining tradition, identity and family. It follows the Pughe family, who run three farms including Caeadda farm, which is managed by the eldest son, Dafydd Pughe. Dafydd has three children of which one daughter is currently studying agriculture and plans to have her own farm one day. His younger brother John runs a nearby farm called Morben with his son Alwyn. For both farmer and livestock, their lives on the farms are generational.
This lifestyle, for many farmers in Wales, is a significant part of their identity, with farms and homes being passed down through multiple generations. Most upland farmers use traditional agricultural techniques, raising sheep and cattle on the high hills of the valley. However, in a changing world with new economic and environmental pressures, the next generation of farmers are having to change their practise. Many upland farms are also vulnerable to the current changes to the Basic Payment Scheme, an annual stipend to farmers, brought in to ensure food security for the nation which on average makes up 60% of a farmer’s income. The new funding scheme requires farms to have 10% of their land as woodland and habitat, which is often unsuitable in the high terrain of these farms.
Caeadda, which translates to 'Adam's Field', is the name of the farm this family either grew up on, or are the descendants of previous custodians. The land, way of life and knowledge has been passed down to these farmers through the generations. They will manage it with care until it's time for the next cohort to start their guardianship, despite the changes and challenges they face.
Please support David and his photographic work by purchasing a print from our shop.
Open edition - 12 inches on the longest side printed on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308 GSM paper available for £95 a print.
Image Titles and Captions:
From top to bottom:
1 - Upland farmers working in the hills of the Dyfi Valley in Wales lead a life of hard work. Alongside constantly battling the elements and tending livestock on tough terrain, they are vulnerable to economic difficulties and a farm’s success is never certain. A tree stands wind battered on the hills of Rhiwgriafol farm.
2 - Rhidian Glyn patrols the hills of his farm with his dogs.
3 - John Pughe is often referred to as John ‘Morben’ which is the name of his farm. Traditionally farmers’ were referred to as the name of the farm as their second name. Here he collects ewes for pregnancy scanning.
4 - Rhidian Glyn, looking over the hills of his farm, comes from a long line of Welsh hill farmers spanning multiple generations.
david j shaw
About David:
David J Shaw is a photographer and journalist from the UK. He specialises in investigative reportage of human rights and social issues and stories related to community and identity. Alongside long term projects in the UK, his work has also taken him to countries such as Myanmar, Russia, Gaza/ West Bank, Lebanon amongst others.
After a career pivot in the emergency services, Shaw returns to the photographic field focusing on issues related to Britain’s pressured public services and is creating a photographic celebration of LGBTQ+ football fans in the UK.