Andy Marshall's Genius Loci Digest: 3 Jan 2025

Trusting the ‘Still, Dark Place’ - A Life Reimagined, A Journey Renewed.

Every now and then I post out a digest with my latest chelfies (church selfies).

Through these portraits of myself in historic spaces, I aim to capture the atmosphere and snare the intangible—a visual diary intertwining my state of mind with the genius loci of the building. And, of course, as Larkin said:
'For, though I've no idea
What this accoutred frowsty barn is worth,
It pleases me to stand in silence here..'

They are also a little luxurious indulgence—almost as if to say to myself: I am here, and I matter.

It’s worth repeating that photography is such an integral part of my life that occasionally I feel as though my photographs act like charms. They inoculate me against the vagaries of the present.

During times when collective memory has become shorter, my photography has helped me stay in touch with the long view.

During times when the world is defined by extremes, my photography has shown that the story of my life and the communities around me are counter-narratives to such extremes.

Photography has helped somebody who suffers from bouts of low self esteem feel whole again, feel on level terms with the world and the people around him.

My photography helped me become a sculptor of light after being plunged into darkness by depression and my camera taught me how to see.

What I've discovered upon my journey is that we can use our heritage as a ‘superpower’; that if we listen closely to the past—especially through the stories told by its buildings—it can offer profound lessons. Within their stories lie answers to our present challenges, whispered to us by those who came before. Overwhelmingly, for me, those whispers have been about cohesion, continuity, and the myriad ways—both intentional and unintentional—in which we engage with buildings to ensure our voice is heard.

In this, I am encouraged by some wonderfully inspiring and articulate words from Helen Macdonald in her book Vesper Flights:

“I thought of how there are always counter-narratives, hidden voices, lost lives, other ways of being, and how it is possible to see a different, more inclusive England in the most recondite of traditions. And I cherished the thought that grand historical and political narratives might falter, just slightly, in the face of skilful interactions with things that are not us. Small things.”

My ‘skilful interactions’ are with buildings, places, spaces, and landscapes. Through photography, words, and art, this Digest gently unravels notions of hatred, polarisation, and division. It is a haven—a safe place for those seeking respite. But it is also a springboard: a place where we might find purchase on how to respond to personal and global challenges.

But, more than anything, I wish to pass on this: a person who has faced the most difficult challenges of breakdown and depression in their life can still ‘trust the still, dark place to kindle the torchlight for a new path.’ *

In spite of having the darkest thoughts about my own condition and survival, I managed to find the faintest quiver of light buried deep within my depression—one that led to a life transformed: a life full of purpose and hope.

Anybody who is feeling the lowest of the low at this time of year—there is a way forward that might begin with a pearl of light as small as a single molecule. Just trusting that fact can help dissolve some of the darkness and re-ignite a journey outwards.

The year 2025 will see me immerse myself in some of the most extraordinary buildings, places and landscapes that I have ever visited. These include a place of angels and a surviving Anglo Saxon structure that intimates powerful connections with the wider world. It also includes a serene, isolated post-medieval farmstead in the Yorkshire Dales.

Additionally, I will be sharing news of a beautiful new book by historian Tim Clarke, illustrated with my photography.

Thanks to your support, Member Powered Photography (MPP) has flourished. Since MPP began, we’ve created professional media for nine historic locations across the UK, all at no extra cost to the clients. In a time of financial challenges for heritage sites and traditional skills, these small acts make a meaningful difference.

Photographs from Member Powered Photography

Kind words about MPP

It has been 15 years since we had any professional photos of the Hall taken and although you wouldn’t think a seven centuries old guildhall would change; the photos breathe new life into this ancient building. I would like to thank the Digest Members for supporting you and in turn supporting buildings like ours. They are the cheerleaders for our built heritage – large and small - and they should be applauded! Lauren Marshall, Museum Director, Merchant Adventurers' Hall, York.

Last year, the Digest grew to 2,000 subscribers and 148 Tier Members. Your generosity even allowed me to offer free memberships to those unable to afford them—spaces that are still available.

Somehow, I never saw it coming, but this year I face a significant birthday, but I'm told there's no age upon your soul, and these places make me feel as young as ever. I have now travelled 80,000 miles in Woody my camper van and, at some stage, I have to try and work out a way to replace him.

My low self-esteem and anxiety always remain in the background, rearing their heads every now and then—but this Digest, my camper-van-camino, my photography, writing, and art are guiding me through a labyrinth of discovery.

In that sense, within the realms of my story and the direction of the Genius Loci Digest,

my journey is only just beginning.

I look forward to sharing it with you this year.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support. I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year—one filled with self-discovery, renewal, connection, and progress.

Andy