The 200+ monochrome photographs within this book, made over a ten year period by Christopher John Ball, are a powerful reminder of the human cost of UK Government austerity. The volume is further enhanced with an introduction by John McDonnell MP, an essay by Christopher John Ball and testimony from several disability activists. The UK Government deliberately placed our Social Security Safety Net so close to the ground, it was rendered fatal for many. Cuts to services continue to have a catastrophic impact upon the lives of disabled people and the Sunak administration recently announced that the government intends to increase the severity of the attacks. In response to these cuts, and the attacks upon disabled people in the Tory supporting media, disability campaigners came together to fight back. One such group, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) organised protests, demonstrations, events, occupations and organised conferences in an attempt to raise awareness of the terrible impact of austerity. The UN 'Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities' (CRPD) undertook several investigations into the policies of the UK government which resulted in the publication of a damning and critical report in 2016. In 2017 the UN followed up and produced a study which further criticised austerity policies as having created a "human catastrophe" for disabled people. They found evidence of 'grave and systematic violations of disabled people's rights'. Further investigations by the UN found little attempt by the Tory government to address their concerns condemning the UK Governments "lack of recognition of the findings and recommendations of the (2016) Inquiry". In 2022 a study led by the 'University of Glasgow and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health' and published in the 'Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health', found over 330,000 excess deaths in UK linked to Tory austerity policies! The thin veneer of protection that civilisation brings is easy to break, especially in times of hardship, and the Tory Government austerity policy has served to do just that. These images are a testament to the determination, courage and resilience of disabled people who continue to campaign and fight for our rights. A tribute to those who will not give up until all disabled people have the support they need to live full and independent lives. The fight against austerity is not just a fight for disabled people. One day, there will a reckoning!
Ball, Christopher John: - Christopher John Ball BA (Hons) MA is a widely exhibited and published, award winning, London based, fine arts photographer, writer, campaigner, reviewer, curator, arts juror and lecturer. With over 45 years experience as an artist, his work is held within public and private collections worldwide. Christopher is a passionate advocate for the rights of artists and for the preservation of public arts funding. His art work, views and opinions are very much in demand and he has contributed articles on photography, the arts, politics, philosophy and other topics for various international publications and media outlets. Christopher is proud to be involved in the 'Film is Fabulous!' initiative, a vital new project dedicated to preserving the UK's rich film heritage. Film is a fragile medium, and many films are lost each year due to neglect, deterioration, or simply being disposed of in landfills. 'Film Is Fabulous' is supported by a number of important organisations, including De Montfort University's Cinema and Television History Institute (CATHI) and the Media Archive for Central England (MACE). He has also worked in film and theatre. ''Throwing Stones: What's in your family album?'' was co-written by Christopher John Ball and Dean Sipling. Performed in 2005 at the Greenwich Playhouse, a revised version of 'Throwing Stones' was published in November 2013. Given that he has been disabled since youth, Chris maintains an active role in the campaign to promote disability awareness and rights. Drawing inspiration from philosophy, film, music and disability politics; Chris believes that how we see ourselves, alongside our objectification by the camera, society and the state, takes the form of an existential challenge and his work is an exploration of this rationale. Whilst his work covers both social documentary and fine art, his methodology is consistent throughout. His images explore and play with the 'sense of distance', 'lack of access', the 'mundane banality of modern life'. The themes of a 'sense of distance' and 'lack of access' have become increasingly important to Christopher as his disability deteriorates. The reaction of 'others' to a visible impairment can often be hostile leaving one feeling an 'outsider' 'looking in' 'abject' and 'kept out'.
