Snowdonia farming in pictures

Farmers in Snowdonia National Park have become the stars of a new book, thanks to an initiative involving the Farmers Union of Wales and a London-born photographer.

The bilingual book showcases portraits taken by renowned photographer Chris Clunn, giving an insight into the lives of 61 men and women living and working traditional family hill farms.

He started work on the book, Meirionnydd, a few years ago after meeting former FUW area officer Elfed Roberts who sold him insurance for a small, derelict stable he has converted into a home at Maentwrog on the edge of the Park.

“Once the paperwork was done, Elfed left with all the relevant details and a copy of my previous book on the characters of Smithfield meat market under his arm,” says Chris, whose images are currently held in the National Portrait Gallery, as well as in various private collections.

“Weeks later, he mentioned how much he enjoyed the book and asked if I would be interested in working on a similar project recording the farmers of Meirionnydd.

“I was aware that this was a rare opportunity for an outsider to get to know something about how real rural Wales works.”

One handy tip Chris was given was “do yourself a favour and at least learn a few words of Welsh – it will help a lot”.

With a smattering of Welsh, his photography skills and his guides Elfed and FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones – “perfect gentlemen with a wealth of knowledge and advice” – Chris was able to access this remote community through the four-year project.

The book has an emphasis on authenticity, with Chris having shot the farmers in their own environment – whether outside, in a barn or a farmhouse kitchen.

This is reflected in his photography process – he still shoots with film camera – and the pictures are not altered during the publication process.

According to FUW president Emyr Jones, himself a portrait subject, Chris is able to “capture and chronicle the very essence of communities and working lives”.

This landscape is, he says, “a way of life where agriculture, livestock, and the cycle of the seasons are ingrained in every thought and sentence”.

* The book, published by the FUW, costs £9.99.