A photograph by Thomas Blower was selected for the cover of Tom Benn’s novel Oxblood, published by Bloomsbury Publishing in 2021.

Set in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, during the mid-1980s, Oxblood centres on three generations of women living with the legacy of violence, crime and family history within Manchester’s underworld. The use of Thomas Blower’s photography created a strong visual connection with the novel’s Northern setting and social atmosphere.

Following publication, Oxblood went on to receive major critical recognition, including winning the Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award and being longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize.

British Culture Archive handled the licensing agreement, approvals, image supply and rights management for the cover use.

The licence covered hardback and ebook editions for Commonwealth English-language rights.