Thomas Pink are a brand steeped in British heritage. Founded in the 18th century, the original Mr Pink designed one of the most iconic pieces of British clothing – the hunting coat worn by Masters of Foxhounds – as well as designing finely tailored shirts that are amongst the best in the world in today’s market. With 2012 proving to be one of the most exciting years in British history – the London Olympics, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations – it seems only fitting that one of the most iconic names in British fashion should commission an exclusive book that captures the lively side of British merriment. Enlisting the keen eye of esteemed documentary photographer, Jocelyn Bain Hogg, Thomas Pink present “A British Entertainment” which contains snaps of social gatherings from around the country. Wonderland are excited to share some snaps from the book in the above gallery and posed some questions to Jocelyn to learn more about the books beginnings, as well as finding out how he plans to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.
What was the research process for the “A British Entertainment”?
It began with months of brainstorming on what defines the British Season in this era, then trawling through our black books to get contacts to get access. I had a great research team of wonderful assistants, and the guys at Thomas Pink. All were either personal contacts or family and friends – that’s what made it special.
How long have you been involved with photography?
I Started at age 17 with my first photographs whilst still at Lancing College being published as a feature in Harpers and Queen [now named Harper’s Bazaar] on girl’s arriving at a previously all boys public school and I’ve never looked back!
How did you becoming involved in this project with Thomas Pink?
We’d been talking about a book project for this year and the idea of the Season came up from Florence Torrens, the creative director, and A British Entertainment was born.
What were some of the more unusual images you recorded for this book?
That’s relative! A certain very prestigious American publication, on seeing the project, refused to believe that we Brits behave like this and felt there must have been some kind of ‘doing it for the camera’ agenda involved since it appeared to their eyes so eccentric and bonkers! So perhaps in light of this comment, the Tatler pyjama party, the Secret Garden, a tabby cat mask sporran at the Glenisla Highland Games, The Thaxted Morris Men, The Minnack Theatre, The Peebles chutney festival with the tomato splatting machine, the ‘Marie Antoinette’ figure at Glyndebourne….the list goes on!
How will you be celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee?
With a large gin and tonic.
And how would you identify with our ruling Monarch?
Since my ancestors were all Celtic robber barons who trounced the English back in the dark ages, I guess I relate to ruling monarchs quite well – didn’t they all start as robber barons too??
A British Entertainment by Jocelyn Bain Hogg, and presented by Thomas Pink, is published by Foto8, £49.99 and available at Thomas Pink stores across the globe.