- The first book of its kind; a unique opportunity to view many
inaccessible places in Oxford- Includes many previously unpublished
images, including pictures of the new RIBA nominated chapel at Ripon
CollegeCustodians brings together for the first time, in this
beautifully compiled collection, images of many of Oxford's most
prestigious buildings along with some rarely seen, but wonderful venues
and their 'Custodians'. Photographer Joanna Vestey set out to explore
the extraordinary colleges and buildings of Oxford, behind the closed
doors, often beyond the reach of the 9.5 million visitors a year who
come here, and to meet the 'Custodians' playing a pivotal role in
perpetuating these world renowned institutions.Rarely do we get to catch
a glimpse behind the closed facades of these iconic structures and to
see the spaces that lie within. All the images have been captured in the
University City of Oxford, known as the "City of Dreaming Spires" and
show its extraordinary breadth of architecture since the arrival of the
Saxons. It includes venues such as the 17th Century Divinity School, the
mid-18th century Radcliffe Camera continuing through to the most recent
award winning RIBA nominated chapel at Ripon College completed last
year. Venues such as the Sheldonian Theatre and Christchurch College sit
alongside perhaps lesser known venues such as The Real Tennis Courts or
the John Martyr Pawsons cricket pavilion portraying the breadth and
diversity constituting the city.The 'Custodians' and their surroundings
enjoy equal status in Joanna's formal compositions; they seem to belong
together, yet do not fuse into one, thereby asking us to question how we
are all largely shaped and influenced by the structures around us - how
defined we are by them and how much they form us.Full of unexpected
venues beautifully photographed, this book will appeal to the
his-torian, city visitor, people interested in architecture and
interiors as well as to the extensive alumni network of the colleges
themselves. It will also appeal to an audience interested in
contemporary photography.
