Tish Murtha — Cardsharps, 1981

Patricia Anne ‘Tish’ Murtha (1956–2013)

Born and raised in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne, Tish Murtha was the third of ten children. Her early experiences within Tyneside’s working-class communities shaped the social awareness and empathy that define her photography. After studying at Newcastle College, she was encouraged by Magnum’s David Hurn to join the pioneering Documentary Photography course at Newport College of Art.

When asked at her interview what she wanted to photograph, Murtha replied: “I want to take pictures of policemen kicking children.” Hurn later described it as the shortest interview he ever conducted — instantly recognising her conviction and purpose.

Graduating in 1978, Murtha returned to Newcastle to document the people and places she knew best. Her photographs — unflinching yet compassionate — capture the humour, solidarity and strength of working-class life during a time of profound social change.

Now celebrated as one of the defining voices in British documentary photography, Murtha’s work is held in major collections including Tate and the Arts Council Collection, and was the focus of the acclaimed 2023 documentary Tish.

The British Culture Archive has worked closely with the Tish Murtha Archive since 2017, helping to bring her vital work to a global audience through our online platforms, exhibitions, and these exclusive editions.