Vanley Burke: A Retrospective. Mark Sealy and Stuart Hall, Lawrence & Wishart Ltd, June 1993, 88 pages, paperback, ISBN-13: 978-0853157830,
Vanley Burke’s photographs represent a sensitive portrayal of black people and their presence in the Midlands. From the inception of early black political pressure groups, to direct state confrontation, Vanley Burke has made a photographic record of his community’s history. His photographs focus, not only on the collective aspect of the black community, but also on the more personal and quiet moments of people’s daily existence: from baptisms to the child alone in an urban nightmare, weddings and funerals are an all important part of his world view. He dispels myths about black daily life and his photographs provide a rare and affectionate portrayal of his local community. Vanley Burke’s capacity to capture the ordinary offers us access to a very particular history. His refreshingly understated photographs provide an emphatic view of black people in Britain.
