German photographer Frederik Ruegger has unveiled a remarkable collection of candid photographs documenting Traveller life across the United Kingdom and Ireland, culminating in his newly published book A Stranger in This Country. The Berlin-based artist embarked on this two-year photographic journey after a chance encounter with Tyson Fury on television sparked his fascination with Traveller heritage and culture.
From Television Inspiration to Cultural Immersion
The 32-year-old photographer, an avid boxing enthusiast, found himself captivated while watching At Home with the Furys during a routine television browse. The Gypsy King's portrayal of his life and cultural background within the Traveller community resonated deeply with Ruegger, prompting immediate action. Within days, he had booked a flight to Manchester and made his way to the renowned Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria, Europe's largest annual gathering for Gypsy and Traveller communities held every June.
Building Trust and Capturing Authenticity
Armed with his trusted 28mm wide-angle lens, Ruegger began what would become a transformative two-year project spanning 2022 to 2024. The photographer's approach required physical closeness to his subjects, creating an intimacy that gradually earned him acceptance within the communities he documented. "I grew close with one specific family that also invited me to stay with them on the campsite," Ruegger revealed. "People kind of forgot that I was still there, allowing everything to remain as natural as possible."
The project's title emerged organically during his first visit to Appleby, when he passed a CD stall playing the traditional folk song 'I'm a Stranger in this Country'. Ruegger found the phrase profoundly resonant, explaining: "A Stranger in This Country seemed like a good title, as Travellers can I think feel a bit like that... and so was I."
A Photographic Testament to Community and Heritage
Ruegger's collection captures diverse aspects of Traveller life, from intimate family moments and religious ceremonies to the central importance of horses within their culture. His images include:
- A baptism ceremony where a priest touches a boy's head
- A young girl embracing her horse with evident affection
- Children playing with toy guns accompanied by faithful dogs
- Families dressed in their finest attire for special occasions
- Everyday moments outside caravans and at social gatherings
- Multiple generations of Traveller women enjoying celebratory dances
The photographer expressed profound gratitude for the trust extended to him, stating: "I feel honoured to have captured their world. It's their world, I was just the one framing it, but it belongs to the traveller community. My proudest moment was getting to know and be trusted by all these wonderful people."
Legacy and Publication
A Stranger in This Country represents more than just photographic documentation; it stands as a testament to cultural exchange and mutual respect. Ruegger's work offers viewers a rare, authentic glimpse into communities often misunderstood or misrepresented in mainstream media. The book, published by Kehrer Verlag, is now available through major book retailers, preserving these visual stories for wider appreciation and understanding.
Ruegger's journey from television viewer to trusted documentarian highlights the power of curiosity and respectful engagement. His admiration for Tyson Fury extended beyond sporting achievement to genuine interest in cultural heritage, resulting in a photographic collection that bridges communities and challenges perceptions through authentic visual storytelling.
