The Isle of Man Photographic Society in association with Manx National Heritage launched its 75th anniversary celebrations with the opening of an exhibition at the House of Manannan in Peel by the society’s patron, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Mr Adam Wood on Friday May 17th.
The exhibition, 75 Years of Photography, combines displays of work by society members and of cameras and equipment used over the years. The development from film-based work, including a mock-up display of a darkroom complete with an enlarger, safelights and chemical trays, is contrasted against today’s equivalent environment of a digital camera, home computer and printer.
The exhibition also features a studio set out as a Victorian drawing room to serve as a backdrop for visitors to take their own photographs.
At the launch Manx National Heritage trustee Malcolm Kelly introduced Isle of Man Photographic Society president Tony Curtis who welcomed the Lieutenant Governor, MNH trustees and other guests. To commemorate the occasion Mr Curtis presented the Lieutenant Governor with a framed copy of a still life image in the exhibition produced by society life member Ron Shimmin.
The exhibition has been curated by Manx National Heritage’s Hannah Gerrard who said: ‘The show celebrates the society’s broad-ranging interests in photography. A variety of media and photographic techniques are beautifully presented in a selection of prints, including landscape, portrait and wildlife images. The display highlights the depth of precision and care that results in a final image, the pride that the society takes in its work and the sheer enjoyment gained from the process.’ Her comments were enthusiastically endorsed by everyone at the event.
The exhibition runs until Sunday August 4th and, say the organisers, ‘will stimulate and intrigue anyone with an interest in photography and the arts, no matter what their level of expertise.’
The exhibition is being supported by a series of special events including four photography workshops hosted by leading Isle of Man photographer Andrew Barton LBIPP LMPA. The first workshop (Sunday June 23rd) will serve as a general introduction to photography; the second (Sunday June 30th ) explores still life techniques; the third (Sunday July 7th), at Peel Castle, weather permitting, offers an opportunity to photograph people using volunteer models provided; and the fourth (Sunday July 21st) will trace developments in photography in the Victorian era.
The workshops take place from 10.30am to 4pm, with tickets to each costing ?35 for members of the IOMPS and Friends of MNH, and ?40 to non-members. Further discount is available for a season ticket to all four workshops.
For full details about the exhibition and workshops visit www.iomps.com. You can also find information via Andrew Barton on Facebook at Andrew-Barton-Photography or via www.manxnationalheritage.im.
Photo - Isle of Man Photographic Society president Tony Curtis escorts the society’s patron, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Mr Adam Wood, around the exhibition. Photo Andrew Barton.
