Over the years, the City Adventurers have met many fascinating authors and creators. Sometimes at book launches, sometimes at exhibitions or literary events, and occasionally in the most unexpected places…..
Often the most memorable people we meet on our adventures are not part of the itinerary. During our recent trip to Japan, we found ourselves travelling alongside Carl Radford, an artist whose work ranges from Victorian photographic techniques to contemporary images of the places he explores.
And that is one of the joys of travelling. You never quite know who you might meet along the way.
Carl Radford is a man of many talents
Carl is a photographer, author, sculptor, and potter based near Glasgow, Scotland. His work combines a deep respect for traditional crafts with a curiosity about the world around him.
His photography and books showcase his fascination with history, people, and places, while his ceramics reveal the same love of hands-on creativity and careful craftsmanship.
The City Adventurers were lucky enough to meet Carl during our recent trip to Japan, where his beautiful photographic series of the country was particularly fitting. His gallery of Japan images can be viewed here: https://www.carlradford.co.uk/galleries/japan-dm2zf
While Carl may be known for his beautiful wet-plate photography, it was interesting to see that, like many of us on holiday, he was also happily capturing moments with a digital camera. His love of photography is not limited to one particular technique. It is about noticing places, people, and the stories that unfold around him.
During our time in Japan, Carl also helped organise a group visit to the famous bamboo forest. It was a wonderful example of his curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new places. Whether he was photographing towering bamboo, sharing the experience with fellow travellers, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, it was clear that his passion is not just about creating images, but about experiencing the world first-hand.
A passion for forgotten techniques
Talking with Carl, it quickly becomes clear that he is someone who enjoys the journey as much as the finished result.
In an age where photographs can be taken, edited, and shared instantly, Carl has chosen a much slower and more traditional path. He works with historic wet-plate photography, a 19th-century process requiring patience, skill, and a real understanding of the craft.
Each image involves preparation, precision, and a little bit of uncertainty. Qualities that make every finished photograph unique.
His love of the process is rooted in history. In 2010, Carl helped organise a pilgrimage to the resting place of Frederick Scott Archer, the Victorian pioneer who developed the wet-plate collodion process that transformed photography.
That respect for the past can also be seen in his books, including Collodion Collaborations and Colleagues, where contemporary subjects are captured using a technique that connects them with photographers of more than a century ago.
One of his most fascinating projects was Stirling Castle – Back to the Present. Carl and fellow photographers brought their historic photographic equipment to the castle, using traditional methods to capture modern-day life there, with photographs of the building plus visitors and staff. The result creates a wonderful meeting point between past and present.
Pisces Pottery
Carl’s creativity does not stop with photography.
When he is not working with glass plates and chemicals, he can often be found working with clay in his home studio near Glasgow, creating pottery under the name Pisces Pottery.
His garage has been transformed into a working ceramic studio, complete with kilns, shelves of materials, and both modern and traditional pottery wheels.
Carl describes himself as a “serious amateur”. In other words, someone who creates because he loves making things. There is no rush towards mass production; each piece is individually shaped, fired, and finished.
Whether he is creating an image through a historic photographic process or forming clay on the wheel, the same qualities appear: patience, curiosity, and a respect for traditional skills.
Meeting Carl reminded us that some of the most interesting discoveries on our adventures are not always places or landmarks. Sometimes they are the people we encounter along the way.
Links
https://www.piscespottery.co.uk
Indulge in some sightseeing when you join the City Adventurers!
The UK based Social Club for people who love visiting shows, exploring new places, discovering new things and solving mysteries.
Life is a journey so experience it’s adventure with like minded people. Live the life you’ve always dreamed of. City Adventurers Membership includes invitations to adventures and travel mainly in the UK
