The Valley that Changed the World –

Ashley launches Crowdfunding appeal for Derwent Valley photo book project

ashley

Derbyshire photographer ASHLEY FRANKLIN, author of Derbyshire Ramblings (Walking in Circles down the Derwent Valley) has just launched a crowdfunding appeal for his latest book project The Valley that Changed the World, the first ever photo book of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

As Ashley explains: ‘This is such an exciting project because the Derwent Valley is arguably the most significant World Heritage Site on the planet, in being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the factory system. The mills also provided the blueprint for the construction of skyscrapers.

‘It’s an exciting project that has consumed me already for a year but I fear I may not be able to see it through without funds. I have already sacrificed a great deal of work time taking essential photos and even more photography is needed. As the book is being published in conjunction with the Arkwright Society, I am anxious to help the Society with the printing costs and there will also be funds needed for mounting an exhibition. Together, these will cost around £10,000.

‘As someone who has lived in the Derwent Valley for 38 years, this is a project close to my heart and to see it founder through lack of funds would be heartbreaking.

‘So, I hope I can count on your support. You can pledge anything from £10 to £300 and there are various ‘rewards’ on offer. For any pledge, your name will be inscribed in the book as a ‘thank you’. Pledge £50 and you will get a free copy of the book ( which will be sold at around £20) and an invitation to the launch plus a choice of a tour around one of three mills in the valley. Also, the more you pledge, the more raffle tickets you will receive for a prize draw, the winner earning a balloon flight for two over Derbyshire.

‘What is further exciting is that photographers have a chance of having their images included in the book. For a £25 pledge, you can upload up to five images. There is also a £100 London Camera Exchange voucher for the best Image and there will be a framed copy of that image for the winner, too’

For the link to the project, to view the appeal video and make a pledge:

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-valley-that-changed-the-world-1/

Ashley has set a target of £7,500 to raise in five weeks. If he reaches that target, the pledge turns into a donation. If he falls short, he gets nothing.

‘If you make a pledge,’ says Ashley, ‘do tell your friends and family about this project, whether that’s via email or on Facebook, Twitter, or over a drink… share your support and help this project achieve its goal.

If you need further details, contact Ashley on 01332 843908 or 07971 920382.