James Ravilious: The Greatest Photographer You Never Heard Of

 

I first learned of English photographer James Ravilious about twenty years ago and have since acquired every book by or about him that I could find. Although he lived only sixty years, much of his life's work was accomplished in just seventeen years as he faithfully documented the people of Devon in southwest England and their centuries-old way of life. Little known during his lifetime, he is now receiving the recognition he deserves.

I have been wanting to write about Ravilious for several years but could never work out a satisfactory approach to the subject. Meanwhile, fellow photo-blogger Bruce Robbins, a Scotsman who posts at https://onlinedarkroom.blogspot.com/ wrote a really excellent article about Ravilious on his blog. I realized his piece was better than anything I was likely to come up with, so I asked his permission to repost it on my blog. He graciously agreed. I plan to post it in several  segments over the next week or so. Stay tuned.

If you like my pictures, visit my online gallery at https://davejenkins.pixels.com/  

Click on the link at left for information about ordering original signed prints from the Rock City Barns book.

Signed copies of my book Backroads and Byways of Georgia are available. The price is $22.95 plus $4.95 shipping. My PayPal address is djphoto@vol.com (which is also my email). Or you can mail a check to 8943 Wesley Place, Knoxville, TN 37922. Include your address and tell me how you would like your book inscribed.

Photography and text copyright 2026 David B.Jenkins. Photos by James Ravilious copyright The Beaford Trust, 2026.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone.

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