Ming Jue
2004 - 2007
The title of this body of work; Ming Jue is a reference to the re-branding of MG Rover
since its move from the Longbridge plant in Birmingham to the new site for production in
Nanjing, China. Originally “Morris Garages”, MG now translates as “Modern Gentleman”.
I began to photograph the MG Rover plant at Longbridge, Birmingham, UK in 2004.
In 2005, the 6,000+ staff were informed of its temporary closure. Most never came
back. What started as an attempt to explore the relationships between the factory,
the workers and the town became a study of absence and change.
This body of work brings together photographs of both the Longbridge and Nanjing
plants. Though relating to a very specific context, these images address the transformation of heavy industry in the 21st century and its wider implications.
All photographs are Digital C Prints. Dimensions vary.
A fully illustrated publication, published by The New Art Galler Walsall with essays by Peter James and Dr Tim Strangleman is available.
