Returning to Creative Roots in Norwich
“Norwich is where everything started for me, even if at the time I didn’t realise how important it would be.”
I moved to Norwich when I was three. I went to primary school here, secondary school here. Following that I did an architecture and surveying course at College that I had absolutely zero interest in – I spent most of the time looking out of the window – but around then I became obsessed with photography.
That curiosity landed me a job as a runner at the Eastern Daily Press. I went in bright‑eyed and learned by watching. I blagged my way into photographing live bands at the Waterfront, did a deal for free film, and suddenly my photos were being published with my name underneath them. That moment sticks with you.
When I left Norwich to study photography in London, I already had a portfolio of published work. After that came Nottingham, then London, where I freelanced properly – six am phone calls to picture desks, waiting outside Downing Street with a long lens, dawn raids, whatever came up. Eventually I shifted away from news and taught myself how to work in studios instead. That led to celebrity portraiture, commissions for The Times Magazine, and about fifteen years of work photographing actors, musicians and public figures. That’s still my day job.
Moving back to Norwich was never part of the plan.
Me and my wife, Toni were living in Chiswick, trying to move locally, couldn’t sell our flat, and on a whim ended up buying a small barn near Norwich as an Airbnb. Then lockdown hit. My mum’s health was on our minds, so we packed the car, drove up, moved into the barn – and never moved out. Last year we sold our London flat. What started as a temporary solution became permanent.
For work, I’m usually in London a couple of days a week, and oddly it’s more efficient than before.
I edit on the train home, and by the time I arrive back in Norwich the work is done. Logistically it works brilliantly. Creatively, though, something felt missing at first.
The Start of Creative Conversations
Creative Conversations came from that realisation. I set it up for slightly selfish reasons: I couldn’t find my people, so I decided to bring them together.
The idea is simple – three people speaking for around 20 minutes each, then plenty of time afterwards to talk.
I call it the magic dust.
It’s that hour at the end where people connect, share stories, ask questions they didn’t want to ask publicly, and sometimes start something new together. I saw it happen straight away – people meeting, collaborating, staying in touch long after the event. That’s the whole point.
Creative Conversations isn’t about one industry or one definition of creativity. It’s about people’s stories, their pivots, their relationship with Norfolk, and how creativity shows up in real life. Each event feels different, shaped by the people in the room, and I’ve learned not to put too many guardrails around it.
Looking ahead, I’m staying in Norwich.
I loved London, and I still work there, but I want a rich creative life here too. In ten years’ time I might be spending less time in the capital and more time in Norfolk, and I want that life to be full of interesting conversations and inspiring people.
Norwich has always been part of my story. Now it feels like the next chapter is being written here.
