The Isle of Wight has one of the most attractive
and diverse landscapes in the country, in barely
380 sq km: not for nothing is it known as England
in miniature. The varied coastline ranges from rocky
outcrops and high cliffs in the west to the vast
sandy beaches in the east. Its sheltered harbours
have made it a Mecca for yachting, with Cowes
Week being an event of international importance.
Although the island’s biggest industry is tourism, it
is still significantly agricultural, with its inland downs
offering stunning views. With its many historical
sites, together with the strategic and interesting
towns of Ryde, Sandown,Ventnor, Newport and
Cowes, this means that the island in all its aspects
remains a visual feast.
Master-photographer Ian Badley grew up overlooking
the Needles and from his earliest years was
fascinated by the Isle of Wight, intrigued by the
ethereal mists that appeared to hang over the
island, providing an additional dimension to its
bright chalk cliffs. His sense of place and of the
enchantment and beauty of each scene is evident
again and again in the stunning images reproduced
here.
Address books tend to be well used and have a
long life. Along with important contact details, they
keep track of the user’s friends and acquaintances,
tracing their lives over time and from place to
place. And, if properly attended to, an address
book eventually becomes a journal in itself, and
an attractive and permanent keepsake. Whether
bought as a gift or for personal use, this Isle of
Wight Address Book, with its superb pictorial
reminders of the island, will provide years of
pleasure.
Ian Badley was born in 1957 in
Southampton and now lives with his
family in the New Forest. He first took
up photography seriously in the late
1970s before turning semi professional
some years ago and is now a full time
travel photographer. Ian also runs
photographic workshops in the New
Forest, Dorset and abroad for beginners
and more advanced photographers
together with some commercial photography.
His work has sold around the
world in travel guides as well as the UK
and has been used on BBC news items,
national newspapers and been published
in various other magazines. He is the
author of Portrait of the Isle of Wight
published by Halsgrove.
Imprint: Halswood Stationers. ISBN 978 0 85717 014 9, hardback, 214x230mm, 112 pages. Published May 2010.