Photographer Harry Flaherty’s photo series, Don’t Take Me Home, is a striking black-and-white photo series that captures the fervour and unity of England’s football fans during recent major tournaments. The series, presented in a limited edition A5 zine, spans 44 photographs across 52 pages, encapsulating the electric atmosphere in Manchester as fans rallied behind the national team in World Cup 2018, Euro 2020, World Cup 2022, and Euro 2024, with a small selection of the photos also avaliable as high quality prints.
Under Gareth Southgate’s stewardship, the England football team fostered a sense of stability and belief not seen in decades. While silverware remained elusive, the team’s impressive performances – culminating in semi-finals and finals – sparked widespread celebrations across the country, with Manchester at the heart of the festivities. Flaherty, a Sheffield Wednesday fan who now resides in Manchester, immersed himself in the city’s football culture, capturing the essence of these moments with a keen eye and a wide-angle lens.
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England MCR 2024 II£50.00 – £100.00 -
England MCR 2024 I£50.00 – £100.00 -
Don’t Take Me Home | Harry Flaherty£8.50
Flaherty’s approach is both intimate and immersive. Unlike distant, voyeuristic shots, his photos are taken from within the crowd, drawing viewers into the emotional heart of the celebrations. “My camera is drawn to the ecstasy of the crowd,” Flaherty explains, “with photos taken right in the face of the fans, interacting with just about every single person featured in the photos.”
For Flaherty, documenting these events has been more than just capturing moments; it’s been a personal journey of love and nostalgia. His work has evolved into what he describes as “a cultural time capsule of the nation at that time.” This series not only showcases the exuberance and communal spirit of England’s football supporters but also stands as a testament to a transformative period in the country’s football history.
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