Devon photography exhibition opens to wide acclaim
An exciting new exhibition showcasing the work of renowned photographer, James Ravilious has opened at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) welcomed over 140 visitors to the opening of An English Eye.
This new exhibition features the work of James Ravilious, renowned photographer of rural life and one of Devon’s best-loved artists. It has been chosen from the large retrospective show mounted for him by the Royal Photographic Society. This exhibition is on loan from the permanent collection of The Burton at Bideford.
James Ravilious (1939-1999) is well known for his black and white photography of Devon life and landscapes, particularly his seventeen-year project for the Beaford Photographic Archive. As part of the project, he took over 80,000 black and white images of all aspects of local life: landscape, farming, everyday life in the towns and villages, and their special occasions, making it probably the most intensive record of any rural area in England.
The gallery is offering a programme of coordinating workshops including a Dartmoor photography walk and workshop in the footsteps of Ravilious and a Dark Room workshop exploring processing techniques.
Robin Ravilious, wife of James Ravilious, delivered a fascinating talk about his life and work and generously opened the exhibition.
Robin Ravilious said,
James spent 17 years on the Beaford Archive, meticulously photographing his subjects and developing the negatives himself. He had a great respect for the Devon farmers and their traditions and recognised how tough their lives were. He wanted to preserve and document their way of life and heritage crafts like hedge laying, as well as chronicle the everyday lives and celebrations of the local community.
Cllr Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure , Sport and Tourism commented,
This exhibition provides an insight into traditional farming life that is under threat from a range of factors that include political, economic, cultural and environmental. I feel sure that this exhibition will allow a greater understanding of these issues and thereby inform contemporary debate at all levels.
The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm until 28 June at Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton.
