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HAND TO MOUTH
Tessa Bunney
13 October - 2 December 2007
Free Entry
Impressions Gallery - Photography that gets people looking, thinking and talking
Centenary Square, Bradford BD1 1SD
Tel. 08450 515882
Website: www.impressions-gallery.com
Made over a period of four years, Tessa Bunney worked closely with these communities, spending prolonged periods travelling amongst villages and shepherd camps. She explains, “I would walk along cart tracks and dirt roads, photographing the people I met on the way - peasant farmers working the fields, women walking along knitting in the street”. As the title Hand to Mouth suggests, these people survive precariously by their own labour, bringing a new reality to our often-idealised notion of self-sufficiency.
Bunney takes us on a journey through the seasons, witnessing the changing landscape and the rhythms of rural activities: cheese making, crop harvesting and sheep milking. Her photographs reveal a way of life that is at times idyllic, yet often harsh. With Romania’s new EU membership and its associated health regulations, this mountain culture, rich in traditions linked closely with the land, is now under threat. Bunney says, “I hope these rural communities are given some choice in the direction of their future, and that their culture and the unique landscape they inhabit is not lost for ever”.
0845 3000 247
+44 (0)1539 531258
OUR AIM
“To provide a travel service of
the highest quality, integrity
and professionalism which,
as a by-product, will
significantly contribute to
the sustainable development
of rural tourism in Romania
and Bulgaria.”
Hand to Mouth // Tessa Bunney
Over a period of four years, Tessa Bunney travelled to the Carpathian Mountains in Romania to meet village dwellers and nomadic shepherds, exploring the inter-dependency between the landscape and it's local inhabitants.
Publication priced £15.00
Order from Impressions Gallery
we recommend you check out theROMANIAN CULTURAL CENTRE.
The Romanian Cultural Centre in London is an independent association, which promotes Romanian cultural programs, and cultural exchanges between Britain and Romania, maintains an information and data base service, and acts as the focus for the Romanian community in Britain. We are all ordinary Romanians who give time and energy to organising concerts, film screenings, book presentations, special events and monthly parties.
For further information and a full diary of events visit: www.romanianculturalcentre.org.uk
Books
Caroline Juler
271 pages; 160 colour photographs; 20 colour maps and several cutaway diagrams of buildings
Available from November 2007
This latest travel guide to Romania begins with a general introduction, Romania Today, and contains sections on food and drink, land and wildlife, history, culture and art. It covers all the main regions of Romania, starting with Bucharest, and contains some less well known ones such as southern Muntenia and Oltenia. The practical 'Travelwise' section at the back contains info on travelling to and from, hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and sporting opportunities. Much of the book was written by the well-known specialist Caroline Juler, who also wrote the Blue Guide to Romania. The guide even emphasises Romania's 'green' credentials at the back in a section called A Note on Responsible Tourism. 'National Geographic encourages rewarding, mindful, travel - mindful of hte relationship between the traveler and the quality of the destination. Romania has signed on to the principles listed in National Geographic's Geotourism Charter, which defines geotourism as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of the place being visited. The book is illustrated withSteve Weinberg's excellent colour photographs.
You can already order your copy from:
UK: Amazon.co.uk
USA: Amazon.com
All of Alan's books are available from either of the following London booksellers:
John Sandoe [Books] Ltd
10 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 2SR
Telephone orders: 00 44 20 7589 9473 Fax: 020 7581 2084
Or online at: www.johnsandoe.com
Daunt Books,
83 Marylebone High Street,
London W1U 4QW
Telephone orders: 00 44 20 7224 2295
or from www.amazon.com or www.amazon.co.uk
Alan Ogden
280 pages; paperback; published 2007
"Moons and Aurochs" takes the reader on an eccentric and out-of-the-way tour of Romania. Starting his journey in the wetlands of the Danube Delta, the author wanders through the mountains of Transylvania into the hidden Carpathian valleys of Moldavia and ends up on the plains of the Banat, along the way meeting Lipovans, Szekelys, Csangos, Saxons and Hutsuls. The effect is to view Romania through a constantly rotating kaleidoscope where colourful historical figures mutate into equally colourful contemporary characters.
Order onlinefrom:
www.johnsandoe.com
www.amazon.co.uk
Donald Hall (Author) and Alan Ogden (Editor)
232 pages; paperback; published 2007
Romanian Furrow is an enchanting and enduring account of Romanian country life in the 1930s: it is a lasting chronicle to the men and women whose lives, though hard, were as complete and satisfying as the cycle of the seasons which ordained them, and who, from their reliance on the earth, found beauty, passion as well as renewal, and mingled their love for it in their songs, customs and animist traditions.
The author of Romanian Furrow, Donald Hall, wandered from village to village, sometimes stating several weeks to help with the harvest or to repair a watermill. Hall was not just an observer; he was an active participant in peasant life, often wearing the dress of the peasants, learning their sings, dancing and drinking at their weddings, and attending their funerals, Hall was aware that much around him was destined to disappear before the onslaught of 20th century materialism. Hall's account of rural life in Romania - which has not markedly changed today - admirably meets the reading requirements of Green or Eco tourists, a market segment that Romania is investing much of its tourism budget to attract.
Order onlinefrom:
www.johnsandoe.com
www.amazon.co.uk
Alan Ogden
360 pages; paperback; published 2004
This book overlaps with Romania Revisited and Fortresses of Faith, but is distinct. After a useful ‘Potted History’ of Transylvania, Ogden shows how the country is divided. There is the large Saxon community, centred on Sibiu, which began arriving in 1143 and lasted until after the Second World War. It is now largely dispersed, thanks to Hitler, Stalin and Ceausescu, but Ogden has located some stalwart survivors in Viscri, whom he visits on several occasions. He writes also about the Székelys on the eastern borders of the Carpathians; the remote villages of Maramures; the gypsies; and above all, the Hungarians and Romanians and the historical forces that have kept these peoples at loggerheads. This book is a must for anybody interested in the complex history of the families or Transylvania, and in particular for fams of the trilogy of books by Miklos Banffy
Order onlinefrom:
www.johnsandoe.com
www.amazon.co.uk
Alan Ogden
239 pages; hardback; published 1999
The story of the journeys made by English travellers to Romania between 1602 and 1941. The author, Alan Ogden, interweaves the impressions of previous generations into an account of his own journeys made in the summer and winter of 1998. Although the chapters are arranged to follow his own route, he integrates earlier writings into his narrative by linking them to towns and places. The bibliography provides a detailed inventory of published English travel writing in Romania and Ogden has selected those passages which throw light on the attitudes of earlier travellers and highlight some of their more amusing antics. His sources are divided into 'The Gentlemen' and 'The Ladies' and are supported by a general English language bibliography. The book is illustrated with the author's own photographs, based on the work of Karl Hielscher in 1933, and with maps also drawn by the author.
Order onlinefrom:
www.johnsandoe.com
www.amazon.co.uk
Alan Ogden
274 pages; hardback; published 2002
After the fall of Byzantium and the expansion of Ottoman rule throughout the Balkan Peninsula, the Romanian principalities became the most important depository of the Byzantine heritage. It was here that this tradition was preserved, having been passed on to the Romanians of the Middle Ages by their ancestors. This heritage continued to spread throughout Europe and influence European society and culture, creating the historical phenomenon that the great Romanian historian Nicolae Iorga would refer to as 'Byzantium after Byzantium'. The monasteries and painted churches of Northern Moldavia stand today as true revelations of Byzantium. This full-colour album presents the monasteries and painted churches of Moldavia, which stand today as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Romanian people. As the Romanians living in the historical provinces of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania, which today form modern Romania, struggled to maintain their autonomy against Ottoman expansion, their relative freedom allowed them to express themselves both artistically and culturally. Among their most remarkable creations are the monasteries and painted churches of Moldavia, in northeastern Romania. These monuments, unique in the world, reflect a cultural legacy inherited from Byzantium and the Roman Empire. The author provides a comprehensive introduction discussing the art and architecture of the monasteries and painted churches of Northern Moldavia. Each church is then presented separately in words and pictures to reveal its own unique history and artistic beauty. Also included is an introduction on the history of Moldavia and the Romanian lands during the Middle Ages by Kurt W Treptow, a noted specialist on Romanian history.
Order onlinefrom:
www.amazon.co.uk
www.johnsandoe.com
Alan Ogden
132 pages; hardback; published 2000
As we are just into the second millennium, the story of the Saxon settlers in Transylvania assumes a particular historical pertinence. For nearly a thousand years, these stalwart people from the Rhine valley and thereabouts played a key role in the history of Transylvania until their diaspora in the second half of this century. Fortresses of Faith focuses on their magnificent architectural legacy - the fortress-churches or kirchenburgen of the Seibenburgen. After a comprehensive introduction covering history, architecture, and decor, the author takes us on an enthralling photographic tour, helpfully arranged for travellers into the areas surrounding Sibiu, Medias, Sighisoara, and Brasov. His black and white photographs poignantly capture the moody images of these and stone war-horses of Christendom, many of which are now without congregations and prey to the dilapidation of time. It is a superb photographic record with a broad appeal to overseas descendants of Transylvania Saxons, tourists and students of Romanian history. While there is a comprehensive German-language library and database on this subject, this is the first English language book to address this topic and will be of great interest. The author, Alan Ogden, received enthusiastic support from historians in Germany and Romania as well as official sponsorship from British American Tobacco plc, who shared his vision of sounding the alarm about the uncertain future of this forgotten heritage of Christian Europe.
Order onlinefrom:
www.amazon.co.uk
www.johnsandoe.com
John Akeroyd (Fundatia ADEPT)
86 pages; paperback; published 2006
This book introduces the remote Saxon Villages district of southern Transylvania in Romania. One of Europe's least known cultural treasures, the countryside presents a remarkable survival of medieval landscape: fortified churches, unspoilt villages, non-intensive mixed farming in ecological balance with nature and wildlife, set amongst old-growth woodland and wildflower-rich hay-meadows. Such natural beauty and richness is no mere assemblage of fragments, but an intact, integral whole - of inestimable scientific, cultural and human value. But with social and financial pressure for rural development, and as Romania enters the EU, the substance and atmosphere of this special place is gravely at threat. The special qualities of the Saxon Villages will only survive if tradition and innovation can be combined to yield a sustainable economic future and modern quality of life, while preserving a unique sense of place. Farming and quality food production, together with traditional crafts and eco-tourism, are at the heart of both sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. The book is aimed both at visitors - past, present and future - to the Saxon Villages, and all those interested in botany, natural history and conservation, and the history and culture of Central Europe. A Romanian edition is also available, which is being distributed to Transylvanian schools and university departments, offices of local and national government, and decision makers.
Fundatia ADEPT, implementing rural development and biodiversity conservation in SE Transylvania, is sponsored by Orange Romania and the Darwin Initiative. John Akeroyd is an eminent botanist who regular spneds his time in Transylvania.
Order onlinefrom: www.amazon.co.uk
Or purchase in Romania from the Fundatia ADEPT Tourist Information Office in Saschiz (near Sighisoara)
Transylvania Uncovered is working with Fundatia ADEPT to promote rural holidays in this region of southern Transylvania;
all holiday prices will include a donation towards the invaluable work of Fundatia ADEPT
Tim Burford & Norm Longley
The updated fifth edition of the Rough Guide to Romania will be the definitive guidebook to one of Europe's most extraordinary nations. A full-colour section introduces the author's highlights 'the things not to miss' of the country. There are detailed accounts of all the attractions, from the Danube Delta to the bustling capital of Bucharest and the gothic castles of Dracula's Transylvania. The guide reviews the best places to eat, sleep and drink, for every budget. There are practical tips on everything from tracking wolves in the Carpathian Mountains to making the most of the country's many vibrant folk festivals. In the contexts section the authors delve deep into Romania's history, culture and wildlife. This new edition boasts a bigger section on Bucharest and more detailed hiking information throughout the country.
In our opinion the Rough Guide is the must-have general guide for anybody travelling to or interested in Romania
Maps
1: 50 000 Scale Tourist Map
John Akeroyd (Fundatia ADEPT)
This large scale map is essential for anybody staying in the remote Saxon villages of southern Transylvania who wish to explore on foot. It covers the Tarnava Mare region from Richis and Atel in the west to Beia and Fiser in the east, and south from the Tarnava Mare river and Sighisoara to Movile and Dacia. It includes the town of Sighisoara and many of the villages where tourist accommodation is being developed, such as Viscri, Biertan, Malancrav,Crit and Cloasterf. The map is double sided with information in English and Romanian.
Fundatia ADEPT, implementing rural development and biodiversity conservation in SE Transylvania, is sponsored by Orange Romania and the Darwin Initiative. John Akeroyd is an eminent botanist who regular spneds his time in Transylvania.
Order onlinefrom: www.amazon.co.uk
Or purchase in Romania from the Fundatia ADEPT Tourist Information Office in Saschiz (near Sighisoara)
Transylvania Uncovered is working with Fundatia ADEPT to promote rural holidays in this region of southern Transylvania;
all holiday prices will include a donation towards the invaluable work of Fundatia ADEPT
We also recommend the extensive range of detailed maps produced by DIMAP covering Romania;
these include a selection of large scale regional and walking maps, and an excellent updated 1:250 000 scale road atlas
which is a must for anybody driving in Romania. These are available in bookstores, at MOL petrol stations,
or from their website: www.dimap.hu
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Austria uncovered & Cumbria uncovered
are Divisions of BCD Meetings & Incentives
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Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258 or UK local rate: 0845 3000 247; Email. travel@beyondtheforest.com
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