Peter Dench

From the Series “Drink UK”

Peter Dench (b. 1972, British) is based in London  A distinctive and often quirky style has guaranteed regular commissions from a range of respected international clients. Solo shows include Finding Faith at the Ourhouse Gallery in Brighton. Others include screenings at Visa Pour L’Image; Ethnic London (2006), Britain’s Rain (2005) and Drinking of England (2003). The latter achieved a World Press Award in the People in the News Stories Category. Peter also participated in the World Press Joop Swart Masterclass and had work selected for the PDN Photo Annual 2008.

About the Photograph:

“For me this photograph encapsulates drinking in England. Have a few and you may get lucky with a girl. One too many and it’s a disaster. It was a scene in the car park at the Epsom Derby horse racing. I saw the shot from a distance and as I shoot on a wide lens had to run before the couple stopped kissing. I managed one frame. The bald man turned and slurred ‘That better never be published’ – it was exhibited in over 80 venues world-wide as part of the 2003 World Press Photo Exhibition. Britain has become a nation of binge drinkers. The statistics are alarming- 121% more alcohol is being consumed than 50 years ago. The British are drinking younger, longer, faster and more cheaply than ever before. Binge drinking followed by public order problems are becoming increasingly common in towns and cities.”