Vandalism on a Grand Scale is a major new hardback publication dedicated to the work of Tish Murtha, one of the most important British documentary photographers of the late twentieth century. Published by British Culture Archive in collaboration with the Tish Murtha Archive, the book returns Murtha’s seminal Youth Unemployment body of work to print for a new generation. Long out of print and highly sought-after since its original publication in 2017, it now returns in a redesigned and resequenced form, with texts by Ella Murtha and Jen Corcoran, and design by Friederike Huber.
With a bold new title drawn from Murtha’s accompanying essay, the book brings one of the defining works of British documentary photography back into circulation with renewed clarity, urgency and force. Produced as a substantial case-bound hardback, it has been made as a lasting publication worthy of Murtha’s landmark body of work.
“Since the original book went out of print, I’ve been asked so many times if I’d ever make another. For a long time, I didn’t feel ready, but returning to the series now, with British Culture Archive, who believe so deeply in the work, has felt very special. I’m so proud of what we’ve created together for my mam.” Ella Murtha
The book will be available to pre-order from 14 March 2026, with publication and fulfilment scheduled for 9 June 2026.The first 1,000 copies of Vandalism on a Grand Scale will include an exclusive fine art card featuring the cover.
Vandalism on a Grand Scale
Tish Murtha
£50, 226 pages
ISBN 978-1-9191700-0-8
British Culture Archive, 2026
Only available through the BCA. https://britishculturearchive.co.uk/product/vandalism-on-a-grand-scale/
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