Robert Plant has written the foreword to “Black Country Type II”, a new book that collects photographer Tom Hicks’ images of the Black Country.

Plant has called the 144-page book “a startling study of our fractured, crazy place”, according to the book’s sales listing from publisher The Modernist. The book’s title, with its roman numerals, is a nod to Led Zeppelin II.

A new exhibition of Hicks’ photographs has also opened at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. 

“Tom Hicks captures the surreal madness and magnificence of our old mothership with a keen eye and quiet wit,” Plant said of the new exhibition which can be found in the museum’s café in its visitor centre.

The exhibition opened on August 12 and is expected to be open for more than a year.

Plant and Hicks were photographed together at the exhibition to promote both the display and Hicks’ new book.

“My work focuses on the colour, character and humour of the region,” Hicks told LedZepNews. “The photos are taken on freeform walks and cycle rides through what is a relatively unknown area (to the outside world at least).”

“Robert has a copy of my first book ‘Black Country Type’ and he had previously invited me to show images at his show in Wolverhampton,” he continued. “When we began speaking about my work, his passion for the area really shone through.”

“I am of course a huge fan of Led Zeppelin but we also have a shared love of Wolverhampton Wanderers, so we have lots of common ground,” Hicks added.

“It was so wonderful to read his foreword – it’s perfect! He has been so generous and kind to me – it has been such a pleasure. His support for the arts in the Black Country is passionate and unwavering.”