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The Lakeland & District Cat Club Show (2023–2025) is a photobook by Cumbrian photographer Liam Collins, whose work explores British culture and everyday life through documentary photography.
Photographed over three years, The Lakeland & District Cat Club Show documents a long-established cat show held in Kendal, Cumbria. What began as a chance visit developed into a sustained study of a passionate community of cat lovers.
Drawn to the visual language surrounding the event as much as the cats themselves, Collins photographs cat-themed clothing, bags, tattoos, and more alongside the people who make up this unique community. The resulting work is an affectionate portrait of a distinctly British pastime, revealing both its eccentricities and its strong sense of belonging.
Reflecting on the project, Collins says:
"I went to photograph the show after spotting a poster in town. I'd never been to an event like this before. I was immediately struck by the cat T-shirts, bags, ears, tattoos and the wonderfully named prizes and ribbons awarded throughout the day. The Rainbow Dreamcatcher Memorial Prize is one that sticks in my memory. The cat show became a gateway to photographing other enthusiast communities, including model railway exhibitions and pigeon shows. Perhaps I'm drawn to people with passionate interests because I don't really have one of my own, or perhaps photography is mine."
SPOOL Series is an ongoing photobook publication featuring work of all genres from established and up and coming photographers.
All proceeds from sales support future publications.