A photographer on a return visit to her native Hull has spoken of her sadness at seeing the coastal erosion that is threatening to wipe out seaside homes and businesses at Skipsea. Ingrid Blakey’s photos capture the devastating impact of the disappearing coastline at Green Lane in Skipsea. She hopes to tell a story through her photos and capture a history that one day will be lost.
Ingrid and husband Rick moved to Grand Lake in New Brunswick, Canada, 22 years ago. The town she lives in has a population of just 400 people – a far cry from her upbringing in East Hull. On a recent visit back home, Ingrid decided to put her camera to good use.
The mum-of-two said: “I came back to visit family in May. I was talking to my mum about local places, and she used to spend her summers in Skipsea. I said we’d take a drive up there. Unfortunately, that day mum couldn’t make it, so I said I’d take some photos. I went and – wow – I couldn’t believe it.”
Her photos show gardens that have collapsed into the sea, abandoned vehicles and roads that suddenly end. She said: “There are a few people left who’ve decided to stay, but some of them can’t even access their properties. Sheds and fences have fallen down. There is a fish and chip shop that’s closed down, there’s only a few years left until that disappears. I was speaking to a local guy who said how sad it was. He told me the caravan park lost four last winter, they tried to save them by moving the caravans back so far each year. It’s a continuing battle against the elements. My mum was really shocked and sad.”
Ingrid’s business, Rachael Sky Photography, has been recognised by the National Geographic for her images. Her most famous photo, Eye Drops, has been published four times and she has appeared in the magazine as a featured photographer. She said: “I like photographing different subject matter. I don’t want to limit myself to one thing. I like to be a visual storyteller with my photos. When I can photograph these things it gives people the opportunity to see them. It’s the same way with portrait photography, in a way you’re freezing time. The photo’s going to last forever, but Skipsea isn’t going to last forever. That’s how I see photography really, freezing time. It can transport you anywhere in the world.”
“Seeing Skipsea was a shock. When you’re at the end of the road, it’s all jagged. It’s disappeared. You look to your right and there are abandoned houses. The gardens are just hanging off. It was just really sad. People have lived here for years. I did some research on it, some say it’s the fastest eroding coastlines in the world.”
To see more of Ingrid’s work, including images captured during the COVID-19 pandemic, more photos of Skipsea, and her most celebrated work – Eye Drops – visit her website: https://www.rachaelskyphotography.com
All photos supplied by Rachael Sky Photography
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