View from the Hill

Mick's work shines a light on a Sheffield that has been bulldozed from our history, honestly capturing the hard times and hardened people. His artistic eye enables him to bring out the warmth of those captured and tells the narrative of his mates, who are the subject of much of this work. A unique vision. - Pete McKee Living in Sheffield 'born and bred', I found the book full of powerful images that I can personally relate to, with extremely fond memories. I, and I expect many others, will recognise every single photo, together with similar stories for each and every one. It provides a visual expression of the grit, pride, resilience, joy and all the emotions that we remember whilst growing up and living through the best of times and the toughest of times. As the Leader of the city, and therefore a 'place shaper', seeing how our city looked, felt and the interactions between place and people, during a particular time, and the comparison with how it looks, feels and operates now, will help us understand what we want and need for our future. Do not underestimate the 'simple image' that conveys the essence of a place, a life lived and a real time story. This book is full of them. It has been a pleasure to read and return to time and time again. - Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of the Council & Member for Park & Arbourthorne Ward The wonderful and talented photographer, Mick Jones - not The Clash or Foreigner fame - however better with a capture box than an axe, sent me his book today. I look through this and, yes, I'm back! I was 7/8 years old when these images were created, in 69/70. I can see three of my previous homes on these shots and that is so precious to me. Thank you Mick, I will see you at the Crucible Theatre, we will be Standing at the Sky's Edge, I will buy you a pint of Hendos, stay safe. Excellent work I'm honoured!!! - Neil Kitson, Renowned Professional Photographer Really enjoyed having all the pictures together in that format. Overwhelmingly nostalgic, not normally something I'm susceptible to. At some points it felt like I must have been following you around at that time. The great thing that comes across is the intimacy and that you were observing from the inside rather than coming from the outside with a ready formed agenda. We're conditioned into thinking that black and white photography imbues images with a certain grimness, but the main emotion I get from this is how optimistic it all felt, it was a time of renewal, anything was possible or so it seemed - five O levels and the world was yours. It's an achievement, Mick, and deserves every success. - Michael Dolby, Artist/Illustrator