For our latest Brothers Story we caught up with Harry Renton, a photographer and Peak District native. We talked about community, his appreciation of straight-talking people and the importance of getting outside, even in winter.
Harry took his own portrait wearing his selection from Brothers We Stand.
Jonathan: Where did you take the pictures for us?
Harry: It’s everyday clothing for people. And you know, they're wearing it for work. They're wearing it just to see their family. They're wearing it just for a little walk around the block. So that was the intention behind it. So it is literally a little five minute loop around my block, just turn, turn right, turn right again and then you've done it.
Jonathan: What does community mean to you?
Apart from a very brief stint in Edinburgh, I’ve lived in the same countryside town, Buxton, all my life. I would say community for me exists between family members. I went to a small town school with only 400 kids in it. A lot of my friends have now moved away. I'll bump into others around town. But family has ended up being really important. We see my partner's family all the time. And my mum and dad live in the house I grew up in, exactly a mile away so we see them often too.
I spend a lot of time in coffee shops too. You get a good amount of conversation in coffe shops. I’ve worked in coffee shops since I was 16 and I still do some shifts at 28. So that’s more than ten years! Today I’m doing this interview sat outside my favourite coffee shop in town. It’s called Dandelion and the guy who owns it is called Roy. His other half is called Lily. He’s grown up in Buxton, went to school in Buxton. And then he’s done the same as me. Moved out for a couple of years and then came back and built a business.
Jonathan: Do you have a local hero?
Harry: That’s really interesting, because I think a lot of people don’t ever think about a local hero. We look to celebrities or other people that are out of our reach.
I would go with the people that work in coffee shops. That you can have a chat with about anything and everything. It could be about work but often it’s just about what happens past the window of the coffee shop and things like that.
have a conversation where ideas can be shared, rather than thrown in your face.
People like Roy. He is a funny and incredibly honest man. He’s quite happy to talk about anything and everything. My other half is a very honest and open person and Roy is the same. He speaks his mind which I think is important. A lot of people are afraid to speak their mind. They worry about what they say and that they’ll make a mistake. I get it. But I think it’s important to share your opinion whatever it is. Do it in a nice way that isn’t going to offend people. Then we can have a conversation where ideas can be shared, rather than thrown in your face.
Roy does it. And there’s a few others in other coffee shops or local businesses that do it. But I don’t think you get it too much these days. A lot of people are told things and then just sort of agree without ever thinking about it.
Jonathan: You chose NWHR’s Nowhere sweatshirt from our collection. How do you like to get away from it all?
Harry: My girlfriend and our dog go on some decent sized hikes around the Peak District. We have a long chat about anything we’re worried about as well as things that we’re enjoying.
Jonathan: I know you're someone who appreciates the cooler weather. What would you say to those like me who may be feeling wary of the coming Winter?
Harry: I would just say get out whatever the weather. All of my favourite photographs have been taken in pretty horrific stormy weather. And some of my best runs have been on wet and windy days. Your skin’s waterproof at the end of the day. It’s just a case of staying warm.
You get some of the best sunrises in Winter. With the sun low, the colours are beautiful.
I appreciate that it’s harder in cities. But I lived in a city for a bit. I used to get up and go for a wander with my camera. Or my girlfriend would take a sketchbook with her. We’d have a quick walk through the rain and find a museum or coffee shop. Then draw or just read something.
January and February is definitely the hardest time of year. When it gets dark early making the sunrise and sunset is important. You get some of the best sunrises in Winter. With the sun low, the colours are beautiful. Or just get out for a walk on your lunch break. See a bit of the sun or the rain if it’s raining.
