Numbers one to one hundred: pictures and places (ebook)
Numbers are ubiquitous. Ahead of even the English language in their global penetration, numbers are universally used to help us understand, navigate and enjoy our world. This book is a collection of photographs of numbers I've taken on my compact camera as I've travelled during the course of my work and family life over recent years. Whilst these pictures are my own (with four exceptions), anyone can observe ordinary numbers, performing daily functions, in sometimes extraordinary places.
The simple concept has its origins in a 450 mile sponsored bicycle ride from Aylesbury, England, to Edinburgh, Scotland in June 2009. The ride raised money for the PACE Centre in Aylesbury: a school that helps children with physical disabilities enjoy everyday life. This is a place which greatly benefited the son of my friend Dek Middleton. Dek was the catalyst for this charitable activity .
In order to help raise funds for the PACE Centre, the challenge set by another friend, Treve Ripley, was to help collate pictures of naturally ocurring numbers from one to 1,000. The numbers were uploaded onto a website www.1000friends.co.uk, with a minimum £5 donation for every picture revealed. The resulting 1,000 photographs inspired an exhibition in London, as well as helping the 'Ripcor' cycling team raise over £10,000 for the PACE Centre.
Having enjoyed the results of this photographic perspective on places, and the visual story it told, I gradually started taking pictures of numbers again. This book is a collection of my favourites of each of the numbers from one to one hundred. Whilst this concept may yet evolve into something productive, for now, this somewhat pointless and indulgent book, is mainly for me: I love it. However, I am hopeful that others might enjoy it and also be inspired to see the world in a slightly different (if a little odd) way.
If ever anyone buys a copy of this book (or ebook), I will gladly donate the profit to the PACE Centre.

