C.O.D. is an abbreviation of Collection of Documentaries, the new print-only journal with a gaze fixed towards the constant evolution of Britain’s culture. Exploring themes that resonate true in context with a candid vision of Britain, one soaked in a nostalgic reverence. Founder Lee Crichton places a visual marker down in fast shifting sands, the carefully curated selection of imagery documenting the transformative nature of culture, a representation of an ever-changing zeitgeist. From Britain’s backstreets to sports centres and the parks, the tome’s content challenges accepted notions of what it means to be British.

Alex James Taylor: Where are you from originally?
Lee Crichton: I am from a small fishing village called Mellon Charles in the North West Highlands of Scotland.

AJT: How would you describe the state of British youth culture today?
LC: We are celebrating youth culture in its loosest form as nowadays it’s only a small part to explore in the current climate of the country. To put it simply – it’s not what it used to be. We now live in a society that’s so politically correct, the idea of rock and roll doesn’t really have a presence or a face anymore. On the other hand, this opens doors to an underground culture that is very much alive. The creative fields are still flourishing – I just believe that the mainstream youth culture is affecting the underground one from having a real voice, so we are trying to tell their story.

AJT: What do you think it means to be young and British today?
LC: Biased as it may sound, I think it means to be very lucky. To live in a country that (in many ways) is very accepting, open minded and so rich in both opportunity and culture is a blessing. Of course, we all have strong and conflicting opinions on the state of modern Britain in many aspects, however, as Brits we share values and a history that in my opinion outlives any governmental disagreements recessions or crisis.

AJT: What originally sparked the idea for this project? Had it been in the pipeline for a while?
LC: C.O.D. has been in the pipeline I think since I was old enough to read books and magazines, I would say it really started to take shape around two years ago when I approached my good friend and photographic curator of C.O.D. – Winter Vandenbrink – to see if he would like to start a magazine with me. From there I sourced the two remaining key members of our team, Adam J. Evans and Elizabeth Gregory from there, the four off us went on to build our baby C.O.D.

AJT: You pointedly don’t have a presence on social media, why is that?
LC: It’s too much time spent in an alternate reality when and we are losing touch of what’s in front of us which is not a smart move for the future of our youth. It should be about people holding something beautiful, sharing it, taking it home and placing proudly in their house. I like the romance of someone seeing it in the book store who has never heard of it before and falling in love with the physical form.

AJT: How is the internet impacting on the way we absorb the world around us?
LC: I don’t believe the internet is the problem,  I think it is social media. The internet is a great tool, just used if in the right way! However, it is a very corrupting thought that kids have iPhones a young as they can yet them, and that our youth are more concerned about checking their Facebook than having a conversation – it’s like it’s used as a shield or a distraction from reality and blocking so much in that sense.

AJT: What is the place of print today in representing the culture and subcultures of our time?
LC: I’m not sure it has a place just in our time specifically, I think it will always live on and have a part in whatever time, the demand to hold a physical beautifully printed object will live strong, and if it does not I will be very surprised, I think people have been saying print is dead for years, but I think this is one of the most exciting times for independent titles releasing, and this can only be a good thing.

Collection of Documentaries is available now from Artwords and other selected retailers. 

All images courtesy C.O.D.