Tom Groves: In the Box

‘A beautiful goal has many forms, it may come in the final, it may come in training or it can come accidentally’ [Massimo Bolignino in In the Box]

‘In the Box’ is a unique and compelling collection of images from the world of Subbuteo, an iconic 80’s/90’s miniature football board game. The project, launched in 2010, has taken Tom Groves and his camera across Europe, visiting some of the major tournaments and capturing a series of images with illuminating clarity and humour which brings the sport to life in spectacular fashion.
The photos guide us through the bizarre yet fascinating oddities of a sport that many people thought had died. Included in the book are images of euphoria, passion and dedication as well as quotes from the world’s top players, each providing a personal insight into why Subbuteo means so much to them. The final section of this artist book, printed on a different paper stock pays homage to the childhood game Top Trumps and idolizes a range of players from the European circuit.

In the Box is an edition of 1,000 copies and was funded through Kickstarter where nearly 300 copies were pre-ordered earlier this year. Printed by the world renowned EBS print house in Verona, Italy, the book, designed by Studio Thomas, features a silk screened hardcover which is wrapped in a flocked material, replicating the feel of a Subbuteo pitch.