“You can learn more about the human condition in a voyage along the Thames than on any long journey over the oceans of the world. But water reflects. It has no meaning. So we may say that the Thames is in essence a reflection of circumstances…” Peter Ackroyd

London-based documentary photographer Tom Farmer knots together myriad communities living along the River Thames – from the source to the sea – for a visual testimony to its diversity.

His stunning new photography project, ‘Thames: Dark River, Still Shining’ examines their connections to the river and surrounding landscape. The resulting photographs will form a touring exhibition stopping at eight locations along the river from Oxford to Walton-on-Thames and moving on to London where the images will be exhibited at Embassy Tea Gallery and MPA Gallery during September, in conjunction with ‘Totally Thames’ – The Thames Festival.

Tom says: “These images, taken along the course of the River Thames, offer a small glimpse of how the river is inextricably linked to the communities who inhabit the surrounding area. Physically, emotionally and spiritually the river weaves its way through the southern heart of England carrying with it the collective history of a nation. Rich in culture and heritage the river has been the scene of many a spectacle from Royal traditions to industrial innovations. Yet it remains a wholly communal river, an inspiration to artists and musicians, a river of leisure, of sport and a place people call home. These images are a meditation on a collective connection to the Thames and they reflect the diversity of community and tradition found along the route of the river.”

Related: Mapping London