Appleby Horse Fair
Documentation of the annual North of England gathering of travellers and others involved in horse culture, 1969/70.
Thomas wrote, ‘They gather in caravans and vardos on Fair Hill, to celebrate their history, music, folklore and family relationships, but most importantly to trade and barter in livestock. The relationship with the townspeople of Appleby has always been ambiguous… The meeting grounds between settled and nomadic cultures have often provided points of friction, but contemporary materialism seems to heighten the sense of dislocation.’ Dave Thomas died in 2012.
All images © estate of Dave Thomas
