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English Anxieties – A commission to research the Mass Observation archive

Brennan was the first visual artist to be commissioned to research the Mass Observation Archive (University of Sussex), previously worked on by historians and literary figures only. English Anxieties continues Brennan’s research into interventions into history as he analyses the mass observation archive and the ways in which we conserve and develop our understanding of history. Taking descriptions and drawings made by T.C. Lethbridge, British explorer and archaeologist, as a starting point, Brennan represents this data in the form of large, colourful maps inspired by the Isotype graphical system (Otto Neurath) developed in the 1930s. The approach enabled a clear investigation into the material (plastic/visual) qualities of the archive and the forensic behaviours of researchers. In this respect it offers a valuable insight for all those involved in analysing the archive and the ways in which we conserve and develop our understanding of history.

English Anxieties was commissioned by University of Wales, Newport, Ffotogallery and Photoworks, and has toured in exhibition form to: Ffotogallery, March-April 2009; John Hansard Gallery, Southampton, July-August, 2009.

The book was published by Photoworks and Ffotogallery, with an introduction by Russell Roberts, and essays by Peter Davidson (University of Aberdeen), Andrew Biswell (MMU) (ISBN: 978-1-872-771-72-4).