An early Side Gallery commission, the series offers a glimpse into the communities of the Esk Valley, where quoits was more than just a game; it was a social activity that brought people together. Macdonald's photographs portray players in action, the settings of the pitches, and the spectators who gathered to watch, reflecting the communal spirit of the time. The images also highlight the skill and concentration required for the game, emphasising its significance in the local sporting landscape.

Through his lens, Macdonald not only preserves the visual history of quoits in the Esk Valley but also sheds light on the broader cultural traditions of rural England in the 1970s. The series serves as a valuable record of a pastime that has waned in popularity, offering insights into the social fabric and recreational life of communities during that era.

Ian Macdonald, born in 1946 in Middlesbrough, is a British photographer whose work is deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities of the North East of England.

Since 1968, Ian Macdonald has consistently photographed the people and places of Teesside, one of Europe’s most heavily industrialised area in the Northeast of England - his photographs capturing both the physical structures of industry and the people who lived and worked within them. He has built an extensive body of work that reflects the changing character of the region, from shipyards and steelworks to coastal villages and open landscapes. Creating images that are not just records of place, but also studies of resilience, labour, and the passage of time.