The idea for Beyond Price came as a result of two things, thoughts in the half-waking hours one fitfully sleeping night.
It was the sight on my desk of a special book initiated by Caryn on my 50th birthday – a file made up of words, memories and pictures, secretly organised amongst my dearest friends – one of my most prized possessions, and Kayt’s photo shoot for Family Future Positive. She had asked different people who live together and regarded each other as family to bring their most personal and loved possessions to the studio with them. It was then that I realised how many things we all have in our lives that are often completely priceless to us but that money has not bought. It seemed that if we could only make a record of these things, think about them, appreciate them and share them in the international melting pot that is i-D, this could be an anthology – a record worth having. If you like, a non-materialistic look at the end of the 20th Century. When so much around us concentrates on the commercial and the constant acquisition of more, the freedom to think beyond these things feels both a privilege and also almost an obligation. So to all of you who have once again made a special book possible, our huge thanks. Everyone was given the same brief – what in your life is beyond price? What things do you have in your life now that money can’t buy? (Wish lists were not allowed!) My Dad, who’s the cynic of the family, remarked cryptically: “That’s going to be a very slim volume.” Well Dad, I love you loads but I’m pleased to say we’ve proved you wrong!
Tricia Jones 1999
