Alan Bennett

Made in the North

A photographic journey by Paul Wolfgang Webster

Made in the North is a photographic project that began 28 years ago, driven by my desire to document the people, personalities and cultural identity of Northern England.

My photographic journey began in Rochdale, and I went on to study photography at Bradford University, where I gained a BA Honours degree. While studying, I was invited to New York to exhibit my work alongside American photographer Edith Skinner — an experience that helped shape my ambitions and set me on the path I continue to follow today.

For nearly three decades, I have been photographing people from across the North of England, building an archive that celebrates the region's remarkable contribution to music, art, literature, theatre, fashion and popular culture. My work is rooted in a fascination with people, their stories and the places that have shaped them.

I am proud that five of my portraits are now held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The Story Behind Alan Bennett

One of the most memorable chapters of Made in the North began many years ago, when I wrote to the celebrated English playwright, actor and screenwriter Alan Bennett, a recipient of BAFTA and Laurence Olivier Awards.

I wanted to photograph Alan for my long-running project, which I had been developing over many years. Although he initially declined my request to be photographed, he took the time to send me a handwritten postcard explaining his reasons. I was struck by the thoughtfulness of his response; even in declining, he had shown me a courtesy I have never forgotten.

Years later, after I photographed Sir Nicholas Hytner at the National Theatre in London, something unexpected happened. Sir Nicholas contacted Alan Bennett on my behalf, helping to reopen a door I had thought was closed.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

This experience captures something important about Made in the North. Behind every portrait is a story, and behind every photograph is a journey — sometimes involving unexpected connections, patience and the generosity of others.

For me, this project has always been about more than taking photographs. It is about preserving the people, voices and cultural heritage of the North of England, creating a lasting visual record of those who have helped shape its identity.

Made in the North is my ongoing tribute to the people who make the North what it is.

Paul Wolfgang Webster
Photographer and creator of Made in the North