ISLAND
1984 - 2017

Paul Glazier grew up in London and went to Goldsmiths College of London University for his degree in Fine Art, graduating in 1987. It was there that he first printed his photographs taken on Vatersay, the most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. By that time he already had a strong relationship with the island since he had been going there regularly from 1978. This relationship has continued till the current day.

He was first taken up to Vatersay when he was 12, by Father Banyard, a teacher at his school who often took pupils to the island to bring them in contact with a different environment. As a teenager Glazier went back as often as possible, once or twice a year, photographing all the time. Being with father Banyard was a great advantage since he would go with him on his rounds and so got to meet many of the locals. Since those early years Glazier has returned many times reaffirming his bond with the island and its inhabitants.

Back in the eighties there were not so many cameras on the island and they would only be taken out for special occasions. This means that for some people Glazier's photographs are some of the very few images they have of family or friends from that period. So over the years they have accrued a certain historical and nostalgic value.

Glazier's artistic practice is very diverse, ranging from photography and painting to video and music. However, photography has remained a constant thread though the years, as has been his love for the island of Vatersay. He continues to photograph the people of the island, capturing the changing faces as time leaves its mark. Some of the children in the original photographs now have their own children and even grandchildren, and parents have become great grandparents. Hoping to be able to chronicle the island for many years to come, Glazier is slowly building a unique document of this small community.