ways
and
means
-
river
pollution
in
england



⍆ Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. Their carriage of water connects us all, a powerful reminder of the cycle of nature and ecological unity. Currently they are in danger. Since 1970, there has been an 83% decline in freshwater species globally, a sure sign that if they are to survive alongside humans, our relationship with rivers must change.
Despite this, in England rivers remain a place for play, celebration, love, development and exploration. They provide a remedy for both physical and mental illness, a focus for community, a place to live, a source of power, water and food. 
England may not have coral reefs or tropical rainforests but its lands play host to 85% of the planet’s chalk streams, one of the rarest habitats globally. Something to be protected, cherished and shared.
Healthy rivers are commons that should be equally available to all.
---
Ways and Means - River Pollution in England was Published in 2024 by La Mentale Editions Paris.
Edition of 100
Printed on recycled paper in England
Copies can be purchased here
All profits go to The Rivers Trust
Solo exhibitions if Ways and Means were presented at Torbay Gallery, London and Create Space, Bristol 2024
The work was also on display as part of the Projection Transition festival in Paris (November 2024), inspiring ecological debate through the lens of cinema.
---
2024 -Shortlisted for the International Photography Exhibition 166 by Royal Photographic Society 
2023 - The Prix de la Photographie. PX3 (Honourable Mention)
2023 - Helsinki Photo Festival (Short List)
2022 - Sustainable Adventure Photography (Runner Up)
2022 - Rebecca Vassie Memorial Award (Short List)
---
Published in Positive.News Magazine and Elsewhere Journal

William Joshua Templeton in front of Ways and Means works at the Torbay Gallery - Feb 2024

We may think water belongs to us but actually we belong to water”
Professor Peter Coats. M.A.(St.And), Ph.D.(Cantab.)
⍆ The launch of the book was marked by exhibitions in both London and Bristol. The Bristol exhibition included a real-time experiment I’d been testing in the studio, questioning our use of harmful chemicals in the home:
---
Experiment Initiation
11:30am
Thursday 15th February 2024

Tray Contents
Tray A: Buster Drain Unblocker 
Tray B: Vanish
Tray C: Bleach

Communication
These trays contain chemicals stocked and validated by British supermarkets, routinely used in homes and disposed of down drains. Although they come with warnings, their harmful properties are not clear. In this experiment, "How to Use" dilutions of each substance have been added to the water in their respective tray. Over the course of the next 30 days, their corrosive powers will be revealed. Due to the current state of our water treatment facilities, these substances routinely reach rivers and the life within, untreated.
---

The prints were made using 320 gsm Hahnemuhle Pearl and left to soak for 30 days.

Buster Drain Unblocker completely destroyed the print, reducing it to crystals

Vanish started to crystallise the ink, removing it from the paper, slow decomposing it

Bleach altered the colour of the print and caused crystallisation that started to break down the paper