Sam Wright - Pillar to Post

Photographer Sam Wright became curious about Traveller communities after learning that his great grandmother had been forced to denounce her Irish Traveller heritage upon marriage. Over the course of two years he journeyed to eight fairs across the UK and Ireland to create a contemporary portrait of the resilient and vibrant Traveller and Romani Gypsy communities he encountered. It was very clear that many people have misunderstood Travellers and Romani Gypsies, and I was shocked by the open prejudice towards this community. I wanted to tell the real story of the people I met and counter the misrepresentative media portrayal…As mounting challenges threaten the Traveller and Romani Gypsy communities, I believe it's time for a positive change in attitudes, and I hope this project contributes to that shift.’ Wright began his project at Appleby Horse Fair—the largest annual gathering of Traveller and Romani people which has taken place since 1775. Before he visited the fair he was warned n