Thomas wrote: “They gather in caravans and vardos on Fair Hill, to celebrate their history, music, folklore and family relationships, but most importantly to trade and barter in livestock.” His photographs reflect that mix of the ceremonial and the practical, the social and the economic. Alongside the warmth and energy of the gatherings, he also observed a more complicated dynamic: “The relationship with the townspeople of Appleby has always been ambiguous… The meeting grounds between settled and nomadic cultures have often provided points of friction, but contemporary materialism seems to heighten the sense of dislocation.”

The resulting series stands as a rare and respectful record of a travelling culture often misrepresented or ignored. Thomas approached the work with quiet observation and care, creating a body of images that speak to both heritage and tension. His documentation of Appleby Horse Fair remains one of the most thoughtful visual accounts of the event, offering insight into a way of life rooted in mobility, tradition and resilience.

​Dave Thomas (1940–2012) was a British photographer renowned for his evocative documentation of social issues in Yorkshire and the North of England. His notable work includes capturing the annual gatherings of travellers and horse culture enthusiasts at fairs in 1969 and 1970.