Film pays tribute to Newcastle photographer Tish Murtha's work capturing working class life

A film documenting the work of Newcastle photographer and activist Tish Murtha has been released.

Tish celebrates the work of the British social documentary and activist photographer and her work fighting for the working-class communities in the North East.

Murtha grew up in Elswick, Newcastle and was the third of ten children. After finding a camera in an abandoned house as a child, she became driven by her conviction to expose societal inequality and the impact of Thatcher-era deindustrialisation on the north of England.

Favouring black and white photographs, her work captured everyday life on the streets where she grew up and her work reflected the struggles, joys and resilience of the people she photographed. 

Among her subjects were friends, family and neighbours.

Although Murtha’s work has now found critical acclaim, it was overlooked during her lifetime, and she died in poverty.  

Murtha’s story is told via a series of conversations conducted by Murtha’s daughter Ella who is the custodian of the Tish Murtha archive and has dedicated her life to establishing her mother’s legacy.

The film, which was released on Friday, November 17, is narrated by actor Maxine Peake and also makes use of Murtha's diary entries, letters, writings and photographs.

The film is being launched at Newcastle's Tyneside Cinema following its world premiere at Sheffield International Documentary Festival in June, 2023.

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