Photographers Ashley Franklin and Ian Daisley - both based in the Derwent Valley - and 50 other photographers have produced the first ever photo book to celebrate the wonder and beauty of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

This 228-page hardback publication marks the culmination of a nine-year dream for Ashley, rooted in his deep connection with the valley, having resided in the same millworker's cottage in the village of Milford since 1977.

As Ashley comments: 'Little did I know when I moved to Milford in the late '70s that I had come to a place eventually declared as one of "Outstanding Universal Value to Humanity." This came to pass in 2001 when the historic Derwent Valley Mills complex between Cromford and Derby was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

'Ever since then' continues Ashley, 'I have been breaking the ice at parties by revealing that the mill in my local town of Belper is as iconic as the Pyramids of Giza, and the street where I live as romantic as the Silk Road. And why so? Because the Derwent Valley is the birthplace of the factory system. This brought changes to our way of working on a global scale, and it still impacts on our lives today. Think about it: wherever a factory is to be found, it's because of what occurred in the Derwent Valley 250 years ago.'

Initially commissioned in 2014 by the Arkwright Society during his time as their official photographer, Ashley's project took flight in 2019 when Ian Daisley joined forces - as co-photographer and book designer - and Ashley invited additional photographers to participate. Garnering an overwhelming response of 1,000 submissions, the book features nearly 500 captivating images, with Ashley's extensive collection spanning two decades as the centrepiece.

Comprising three thematic sections—Industrial Heritage, People & Places, and Wildlife—the book encapsulates the valley's historical significance, its diverse communities, and its bountiful bio-diversity. Accompanied by informative text, it serves as both a visual delight and an invaluable guide for exploring the Derwent Valley.

The publication, entitled The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site - A Photographic Record is available in hardback for £30.  The book can be purchased at Cromford Mills, Scarthin Books in Cromford, Hall of Frames in Belper, and online at derwentvalleyimages.co.uk/purchase-book.  

A free exhibition of the photography is on display iat the Masson Mill Textile Museum throughout the summer, after which it will tour the Derwent Valley until early 2025.

To find out more about the Derwent Valley Mills, click here.