A PHOTOGRAPHER who grew up near Newport has recently published a book of his work charting life in rural Monmouthshire.

Robert Hughes has been a keen amateur photographer for most of his adult life.

"I have a keen interest in the countryside having been brought up in a rural setting near Newport," he said.

"My interest in photography started when I was 13. I had an Agfa Silette for my birthday."

He explained that the camera was mainly used for holiday snaps and it was not until the mid 1970’s that he took a serious interest in photography.

"I soon started to process my own black and white films and learnt to print under the guidance of my late father who was also a keen amateur photographer," he said. 

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Mr Hughes has spent the last six years recording the rural life in South East Monmouthshire which he says is still an evolving project.

His new book, Down Country Lanes, features a series of monochrome images of rural life in the area.

"I believe that there is a lot of change happening in the countryside due to Brexit and more recently Covid-19," he said.

"This needs to be recorded for history. This new book gives an insight into rural life in Monmouthshire."

Down Country Lanes is available at local bookshops in Monmouth and Abergavenny and at Raglan Post Office.

Click through the gallery above to see a selection of Mr Hughes' photos.

You can also order direct via roberthughesphotographer.co.uk