The Custodians
An inspiration for living with a deeper connection to nature and tradition. In a world of noise and speed, this book offers quiet insight into the humble lives of those who work the land with wisdom, care and dignity.
With images gathered over several years, the book takes you to one of the last remaining peasant farms in Romania, revealing a fast-disappearing ancient way of life. Here, you meet Zaharia and his sister Saveta, an old peasant couple living a traditional lifestyle.
Judy's documentary photography portrays their life as if no one else were present. Her text adds depth, telling the story behind the images. Inviting the reader to linger, each page a meditation in image and word. Perfect for collectors, photographers, and those drawn to stillness and the enduring power of visual storytelling.
Printed on premium 170g FSC-certified paper, the book has a thread-sewn binding and a matte laminated hardcover. 100 pages with 51 monochrome images. Size: 216mm x 216mm x 15mm.
This unique book is perfect for thoughtful gifting - especially for lovers of history, culture, or photography. Whether displayed on a coffee table or treasured in quiet moments, The Custodians is a timeless keepsake.
The story behind the book
My fascination with traditional peasant life began in 2019 when I explored isolated communities in rural Romania during a photographic tour, accompanied by my husband, Daryl, and our guide, Mihnea Turcu. Immediately, I felt a connection with the people I met. My empathy was so strong that I wondered if the spirit of my poor agricultural ancestors had awakened within me. As soon as I got home, I was desperate to return.
The award by the Royal Photographic Society of the Joan Wakelin Bursary gave me the encouragement and support to continue. Many more visits to Romania followed over the next five years as I found myself committed to a long-term project documenting this fast disappearing culture.
Searching for people in a vast network of rural tracks is like looking for treasure without a map. You have to put your faith in fate and trust that what unfolds is what the universe believes you need at this time. In 2021, after a long day of searching, Daryl glimpsed a black felt hat bobbing up and down in a patch of maize. There was a ripple of excitement. It was Zaharia’s hat, and that moment was the start of the journey that led to this book.
We returned to visit Zaharia and Saveta as often as possible. Each time, I gained more understanding of their way of life, and gradually, I felt a shift in my own approach to life. Observing the strength and humility of these remarkable people taught me lessons that I had needed for many years. It made me consider man’s purpose on earth and how living a simple life in harmony with nature was, in many ways, more fulfilling than a life measured by monetary wealth in a Western society.
I developed a particularly strong connection with Saveta. On one occasion, we asked her if there was anything she wanted. She told us that for her entire life, she had wanted a gold cross to replace the wooden one she wore. She did not want anything else. We gave her a gold cross the next time we visited. As I placed it around her neck, it became a tangible symbol of our bond.
In 2022, I published images of Saveta, Zaharia and Nicholae in a booklet I made to accompany an exhibition of our work at the house of King Charles in Viscri, Transylvania. Saveta was both astonished and thrilled when she saw the booklet. It was beyond her comprehension that the world would be interested in her humble life. Saveta died in 2023. It was no surprise that I felt
her smiling presence as I created this book.
On our last visit in 2024, I returned home feeling anxious about Zaharia. I wanted to go back to help him. On reflection, I knew he would not want this interference. Accepting this was the last piece in the puzzle, and I finally felt I understood enough to create this book. The photographs tell most of the story, and the words allow me to share some of the insight I gained.
The impact of my relationship with these characters has been far-reaching. Their simple but powerful wisdom made me focus on what matters in life and gave me the courage to voice my feelings. It reinforced my desire to develop a more mindful approach to photography and allowed me to appreciate my wealth of opportunity. This book is just the start of a much longer project exploring human connection, strength and vulnerability, combining words and images to provoke thought and foster understanding.