"Good Mourning" by Photographer Nick Bannehr
Photographer Nick Bannehr is releasing a limited edition handmade photo book, “Good Mourning” as part of a one-night exhibit at the Photobook Cafe in London on September 5th. In the work, Bannehr delves into the complex layers of London’s landscape in the days between the death of Queen Elizabeth II and her burial. The book examines the spirit of a city and its people, offering a powerful visual narrative as he weaves through crowds en masse, to capture the raw and candid spectrum of the people during the lying-in-state frenzy that enveloped Westminster. Australian-born Bannehr’s fresh perspective brings a unique and removed view of the city’s display. When I took my camera to the streets of London, I was curious about the 'moment' like everyone else—the death of a monarch. I expected to find raw grief and sadness, but what I actually encountered was something different—a strange, performative atmosphere, almost as if people were fulfilling an obligation. It was a scene bound by tradition, a kind of archaic practice playing out in modern Britain. The contrast was striking, and it made me question how deeply these rituals are woven into the fabric of the national identity. “Good Mourning” is now available in extremely limited supply, through Nick Bannehr’s website.
