Rob Ball's vibrant photographs capture the nostalgia and vulnerability of fading British seaside resorts

If there was ever a part of Britain that simultaneously evoked feelings of happiness and melancholy, it would undoubtedly be one of its many seaside resorts.

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

Photographer Rob Ball's richly colourful series, Funland, manages to capture this sense of nostalgia and vulnerability amongst the changing tides of British politics, focusing on those coastal towns that appear fragile and falling into disrepair as well as those that continue to thrive.

From Blackpool to Brighton, he has spent the last decade documenting over 35 traditional resorts – all of which retain a special charm and retro appeal. With pastel colours, faded arcades and worn-out swirly carpets abound, his images serve as a record of a unique culture that is at risk of disappearing forever.

You can now enjoy the photographs in Funland by Rob Ball, a new book published by Hoxton Mini Press, out later this week. "These pictures are less about a point of view, or an event, than an observation. They are softly nuanced but precise. Serially calm but suddenly astonishing" – reads the introduction from Lucy Davies.

Rob Ball is a British photographer and senior lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University. He is represented by The Photographers’ Gallery and his work has been exhibited worldwide. This is his third photography book exploring coastal communities.

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

All photography courtesy of Rob Ball and Hoxton Mini Press

All photography courtesy of Rob Ball and Hoxton Mini Press

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

© Rob Ball

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