A snapshot of British eccentricity

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

A snapshot of British eccentricity: Photographers fascinated by our quirks captured nation's whimsical streak in series of images from the 1960s

Somerset photographer Tony Ray-Jones created a body of photographic work documenting English customs and identity between 1966 and 1969. Humorous yet melancholy, these photographs were a departure from anything else being produced at the time. They include a beauty contest in Southport, 1967 (left), a man in Blackpool using an unusual method to beat the sun (top right) and a pair of women taking shelter as they enjoy some refreshments during May Day Celebrations (bottom right).