Andrew Robinson
Senior Lecturer in Film and Photography
- Department of Media Arts and Communication
- Art Design and Media Research Centre
- Culture and Creativity Research Institute
Summary
Andrew currently holds a full time post as Senor Lecturer in Photography teaching on both the Mart and BA (Hons) courses at Sheffield Hallam University. He is module leader of practice and technical modules across three years of the course and is the professional practice lead for the programme.
About
After studying Geology and working as a researcher at Sunderland Polytechnic, Andrew gained his start in photography in 1988 when he was awarded first prize by David Hockney in a competition and exhibition hosted by the National Media Museum. This led to a year long Northern Arts Photography Bursary the work from which earned him a place on the MA course in Photography at the Royal College of Art in London where he was tutored by Michael Langford, Paul Graham, Mari Marr and Helen Chadwick. After graduating with distinction Andrew spent five years working freelance in London for a range of clients including The British Council, Thames and Hudson, London Records, ID Magazine and The Observer Film Company. During this time he also worked as photographer and gallery assistant for the Zelda Cheatle Gallery, as a technical consultant for Silverprint and as a visiting tutor on a number of photography courses.
In 1995 Andrew took up a post as photography lecturer at Stockport College of H.E. where he helped found the HND in Documentary Photography and later the BA (Hons) in Documentary and Fine Art Photography whilst also teaching digital photography on the Multi-Media Journalism degree course at University College Warrington. In addition to lecturing he has been awarded numerous Arts Commissions producing and exhibiting work for Eastern Arts, The Norfolk Museum of Rural Life, The National Trust, North West Arts, Photofusion London, The Guildhall Gallery Gloucester, Huyton Gallery Liverpool and others. In 2006 Andrew moved to the Media Arts department at SHU as a Senior Lecturer in Photography where he helped establish the BA (Hons) in Photography on which he now teaches. Whilst working at SHU Andrew has extended his creative practice, undertaking research and consultation projects for a range of clients including Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Nottingham Trent University, Rural Education and Arts Projects, Creative Partnerships and Groundwork East Midlands.
Andrew’s photographic practice investigates notions of individual and communal identity through a visual anthropology of people, place and trace applying creative strategies that integrate still and moving imagery along with text, audio and found materials in an exploration of visual narrative.
Publications
Journal articles
Robinson, A. (2023). A postcard from lovers’ Leap - pride, prejudice and the picturesque: the story of a Peak District legend. The Revenant.
Robinson, A. (2011). Giving voice and taking pictures: participatory documentary and visual research. People, place and policy online, 5 (3), 115-134. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0005.0003.0001
Syson-Nibbs, L., Robinson, A., Cook, J., & King, I. (2009). Young farmers' photographic mental health promotion programme: A case study. Arts and health : an international journal for research, policy and practice, 1 (2), 151-167. http://doi.org/10.1080/17533010903031622
Conference papers
Robinson, A., & Clarke, D. (2023). In the eye of the beholder: the Calvine UFO photograph [abstract only]. In 40th ‘Perspectives on Contemporary Legend’ - International Society of Contemporary Legend Research Annual Conference, Sheffield Hallam University, 26 June 2023 - 30 June 2023 (pp. 32-34). Sheffield: Centre for Contemporary Legend
Robinson, A. (2023). Playing cricket in Crimea - fenton, fakery and AI [abstract only]. In 5th Annual Joint Royal Photographic Society Historical Group and SHU BA (Hons) Photography Research Symposium, Sheffield, UK, 20 May 2023 (pp. 26-27). Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University
Robinson, A. (2022). A postcard From Lovers Leap: landscape, legend and the picture postcard [abstract only]. In 4th Annual Joint Royal Photographic Society Historical Group and SHU Photography Research Symposium, Online, 2 April 2023 (pp. 22-23). Sheffield
Robinson, A. (2022). “Here comes the chopper to chop off your head” - traditional folk customs and folk horror narrative. In Contemporary folk horror in film and media, Online, 29 January 2022 - 30 January 2022.
Robinson, A. (2021). Sticky Tape, Wooden Pallets and Potted Plants in Urinals - Managing Space during the U.K. Covid-19 Lockdown. In Contemporary Legends and Pandemic Lore’ - The second ISCLR webinar in association with Sree Sankara Vidyapeetom College and Center for Urban Studies (Mahathama Gandhi University), Online, 9 November 2021 - 11 November 2021. The International Society for Contemporary Legend Research (ISCLR) / Sree Sankara Vidyapeetom College and Center for Urban Studies (Mahathama Gandhi University): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwfVOs8vW0Y
Robinson, A. (2016). Photography, Urbex and the Post-Industrial Landscape. In Back Then: A Celebration of Art and Engineering, Gripple, Savile St E, Sheffield S4 7UQ, 22 March 2016. http://www.sheffieldcityofmakers.co.uk/calendar/back-then-a-celebration-of-art-and-engineering
Robinson, A. (2015). Creative Journeys (short paper). In ‘Where Next - Steps Towards the Future of Walking Arts’, Falmouth University, Cornwall, England, 15 April 2015 - 16 April 2015. http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/whereto
Robinson, A. Photography, fake news and the restless ghosts of the Gettysburg battlefield. In Haunts #3 - The Haunted Battleground, SHU Space and Place Research Group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lodK2gC5CvM
Robinson, A. The Return of the Plague: a Haunted Village. In Haunts #1: Haunted Places and Haunted Practices - SHU Space and Place Research Group. Online Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY76_tq0zMg
Book chapters
Robinson, A. (2023). Rainbows, Snakes, and Scarecrows - Creative Vernacular Interventions in Response to COVID-19 — A View from the United Kingdom. In Bridges, B., Brillhart, R., & Goldstein, D.E. (Eds.) Behind the Mask: Vernacular Culture in the Time of COVID. (1st Edition). Bloomington: Trickster Press (Indiana University)
Robinson, A. (2021). Photographic surveys of calendar customs: Preserving identity in times of change. In Folklore and Nation in Britain and Ireland. (pp. 163-189).
Robinson, A. (2018). An Idea of North. In Northern Light: Photography, Landscape and the North. (pp. 34-37). Sheffield Hallam University: Media Arts and Communication, Sheffield Hallam University
White, D., & Goldie, C. (2017). Northern light: Landscape photography and the north. In Robinson, A. (Ed.) Northern Light: Landscape Photography and the North. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University
Books
Robinson, A. (2018). Northern Light: Landscape, Photography and the North. Sheffield: Media Arts and Communication, Sheffield Hallam University.
Robinson, A. (Ed.). (2011). Drawn in light: Jo Berry’s ‘Hijacking Natural Systems’. Buxton, England: Andrew Robinson (self published). http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2361208
Robinson, A. (Ed.). (2011). Drawn in light: Jo Berry’s ‘Hijacking Natural Systems’. Buxton, England: Andrew Robinson (self published). http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2361208
Robinson, A. (Ed.). (2011). What is happening to our community. Buxton, England: Andrew Robinson (self published). http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2495726
Robinson, A. (Ed.). (2011). What is happening to our community. Buxton, England: Andrew Robinson (self published). http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2495726
Reports
Robinson, A. (2022). Photographic analysis of the 10x8” print of Calvine UFO photograph donated by Craig Lindsey and currently held in special collections at Sheffield Hallam University. UAP Media. https://www.uapmedia.uk/articles/calvinerevealed
Artefacts
Robinson, A. (2022). Danse macarbe - portraits and photographers. [Artists Book]. http://anthology.co.uk/pages_folklore/folklore_danse.html
Robinson, A. (2022). Trooping The Colour. [Artists Book]. http://anthology.co.uk/pages_folklore/folklore_trooping.html
Robinson, A. (2019). in a small and narrow clearing. [Artist's Book]. http://anthology.co.uk/photos_recent_clearing_1.html
Robinson, A. (2019). forest, ridge, mountain, lake - Four Walks in Flaine, 12th - 15th July 2018. [Artist's Book]. http://anthology.co.uk/photos_recent_flaine.html
Robinson, A. (2016). An Idea of North. [Artists Bookwork]. http://anthology.co.uk/photos_project_north.html
Robinson, A. (2015). Nine walks (photo series / web page). [Print / Web Page / Video]. http://anthology.co.uk/photos_project_walking.html
Robinson, A. (2013). Service Station Journal (Pair of unique self published photo books). http://anthology.co.uk/photos_project_motorway.html
Gent, S., Parkin, M., Watson, A., Lee, J., Robinson, A., Robinson, S., & Lazenby, M. (n.d.). Solar. [Video works presented on an app]. https://www.shu.ac.uk/catalyst
Exhibitions
Robinson, A. (n.d.). Communities Under Pressure: Life in challenging communities. [Exhibition of Photographs, text and video works]. New London Architecture, 26 Store Street, London. WC1E 7BT. http://www.jrf.org.uk/media-centre/exhibition-explores-different-realities-living-low-income-neighbourhoods
Robinson, A. (n.d.). Communities Under Pressure: Life in challenging communities. [Exhibition of Photographs, text and video works]. New London Architecture, 26 Store Street, London. WC1E 7BT. http://www.jrf.org.uk/media-centre/exhibition-explores-different-realities-living-low-income-neighbourhoods
Robinson, A. (2013). Service Station Journal (installation for 'The Motorway Service Station as a Destination in its Own Right'). [Installation (2x 190pp (approx) B4 books, wooden table, 2x 1080 x 1470mm digital Gicleé prints]. Bank Street Arts, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Engalnd. S1 2DS. http://anthology.co.uk/photos_project_motorway.html
Robinson, A. (n.d.). Photobibliophile.co.uk (online gallery of original and creative photobooks and zines). [Web Site including Text, Photographs and Videos]. http://www.photobibliophile.co.uk/
Robinson, A. (n.d.). Northern Light - Website Gallery. [Website based gallery].
Gent, S., Watson, A., Lee, J., Wichert, P., Robinson, S., Robinson, A., ... Lazenby, M. (2018). Walk Out. [Video, photography, and sculpture]. Sheffield Institute for Art. https://www4.shu.ac.uk/sia/events/event-listing.html?event=282
Hartle, S., Robinson, S., White, D., & Harrison, T. (2018). Exhibition: Yorkshire Artspace – Proximity and Distance. [Exhibition: Landscape Photography]. Yorkshire Artspace, Sheffield, UK.
Robinson, A. (2023). An incomplete anthology of vernacular English custom and tradition. [Hahnemuhle Matt Fine Art Smooth Giclée Prints]. Walkway Gallery, Charles Street Building, Sheffield Hallam University.
Media
Adams, V. (2022). Calvine Photograph Investigation Update & Q&A. [Video]. The Disclosure Team
Morano, F. (2022). Andrew Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Photography at Sheffield Hallam University | 08-19-2022. [Radio Interview]. 77 WABC Talk Radio
Robinson, A., & Clarke, D. (2020). Folkloric Customs in the time of COVID-19. [Podcast]. Sheffield University: https://festivalofthemind.sheffield.ac.uk/2020/spiegeltent/folkloric-customs-in-the-time-of-covid-19-dr-david-clarke-and-andrew-robinson/
Robinson, A. (2017). 53.398322, -1.776431 (from 'Beyond The Trees'). [Online / Exhibition]. http://anthology.co.uk/photos_project_neptune.html
Watson, A., Lee, J., Gent, S., Ternan, M., Parkin, M., Robinson, A., & Robinson, S. (2015). Showreel for Media Arts Walking Research Group. [DVD]. Sheffield Hallam University: http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/whereto
Robinson, A. (2011). Drawn in Light: A visual exploration of Joanne Berry’s ‘Hijacking Natural Systems’. [DVD and HD online version]. Andrew Robinson: http://anthology.co.uk/films_drawn_full.html
Presentations
Robinson, A. (2021). Sticky Tape, Wooden Pallets and Potted Plants in Urinals - Managing Space during the U.K. Covid-19 Lockdown. Presented at: Contemporary Legends and Pandemic Lore’ - The second ISCLR webinar in association with Sree Sankara Vidyapeetom College and Center for Urban Studies (Mahathama Gandhi University), Online, 2021
Robinson, A. (2021). Tomorrow will be a better day - vernacular rainbow displays during the COVID-19 lockdown in Britain. Presented at: Creativity during the Covid lockdown: Life and Renewal During the Pandemic - Anthropology and Folklore in Conversation: The Sixth Joint Seminar of The Folklore Society and The Royal Anthropological Institute, Online, 2021
Robinson, A. (2021). Vernacular covid customs and creative interventions in England - March – June 2020. Presented at: Perspectives on Contemporary Legend, International Society for Contemporary Legend Research 38th International Conference, Tarragona, Spain (online), 2021
Robinson, A., Clarke, D., & Rodgers, D. (2020). Folklore, Custom and Contemporary Legend - The CCL Research Group at SHU. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference 2020, Online, 2020
Robinson, A. (2019). Performance and Ritual in the photography of English Calendar Customs. Presented at: Royal Photography Society, Historical Group Research Symposium, Sheffield, UK, 2019
Robinson, A. (2019). The Lord of Misrule: misbehaving badly in a Cornish town. Presented at: Folklore On Screen - A 2-day international conference with a hauntological music event, Sheffield Hallam University, 2019
Robinson, A. (2019). Photographic Surveys of Calendar Customs: preserving identity in times of change. Presented at: Folklore and the Nation : the annual conference of The Folklore Socitey, University of Derby, 2019
Robinson, A. (2018). Photographers, the English Calendar Custom and the Lure of the Wyrd. Presented at: Centre for Contemporary Legend - Inaugural Symposium, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield Hallam University, 2018
Robinson, A. (2018). Sir Benjamin Stone, Tony Ray Jones and Mr Bill Jay’s Amazing Time Machine. Presented at: Royal Photography Society, Historical Group Research Symposium, Cantor Lecture Theatre, Sheffield Hallam University, 2018
Robinson, A. (2017). Lilliput, Brandt, and the Photo Essay. Presented at: RPS Historical Group / SHU BA Photography Research Symposium 2017, Cantor Lecture Theatre, Sheffield Hallam University, 2017
Robinson, A. (2015). Nine Walks (video). Presented at: Where to? Steps towards the future of walking arts, Falmouth University, 2015
Posters
Watson, A., Lee, J., Gent, S., Ternan, M., Parkin, M., Robinson, A., & Robinson, S. (2015). Poster for Media Arts Walking Research Group. Presented at: Where to? Steps towards the future of walking arts, Falmouth University, 2015
Robinson, A. (2015). Media Arts Walking Research Group Interactive poster. Presented at: Where to? Steps towards the future of walking arts, Falmouth University, 2015
Other publications
White, D., & Goldie, C. (2018). International Conference – Northern Light: critical approaches to proximity and distance in northern landscape photography.
Watson, A., Lee, J., Parkin, M., Gent, S., Robinson, A., Robinson, S., & Lazenby, M. (2017). SOLAR - a walking app. Sheffield Hallam University Catalyst Fund
Other activities
Andrew is the founder and curator of the online photobook resource ‘ Photobibliophile.co.uk ’ and currently acts as external examiner for the BA (Hons) Photography Course at De Montford University, Leicester.