The Isle of Man Photographic Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary with an exhibition at the House of Manannan in Peel from Saturday 18 May 2013 to Sunday 4 August 2013.
Jointly curated by Manx National Heritage and the Isle of Man Photographic Society, the exhibition will feature works by the society’s members together with vintage cameras and photographic equipment. There will also be a mock darkroom and a studio set out as a Victorian drawing room to serve as a backdrop for visitors to take their own photographs.
The exhibition will be supported by a series of special events including professional photography workshops hosted by leading Isle of Man photographer Andrew Barton LBIPP LMPA.
The first workshop will serve as a general introduction to photography; the second explores still life techniques; the third, at Peel Castle weather permitting, offers an opportunity to photograph people using volunteer models provided; and the fourth will trace developments in photography in the Victorian era.
Mr Barton said:
“Over the years the Isle of Man Photographic Society has done so much to promote the art of photography to a wide audience thanks to the boundless enthusiasm of its members. I’m delighted, therefore, to be able to share my passion for photography by contributing to the celebrations marking the Isle of Man Photographic Society’s 75th anniversary with this series of workshops that I hope will prove of interest to the novice as well as the accomplished photographer”.
Isle of Man Photographic Society president Tony Curtis said:
“This is a fantastic milestone in the society’s history, and I am honoured to be president at this time. The exhibition is the most ambitious event that we have undertaken so far, with much more than just ‘pictures on a wall’. It is a celebration of all things photographic; from exhibits of old cameras and equipment, through a darkroom and studio installation, to four exciting workshops hosted by Andrew Barton of Andrew Barton Photography.
The exhibition will have something for anyone interested in photography no matter what their style or ability”.
Hannah Gerrard, Assistant Curator at Manx National Heritage said:
“It has been a pleasure to stage this exhibition in collaboration with Isle of Man Photographic Society. Members have chosen their favourite prints for display, giving the exhibition a personal touch. 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.
The exhibition also takes a look at how photography has evolved over the decades. There will be a fascinating range of vintage and classic cameras on display, owned and cared for by society members. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see how a photographic darkroom works. They can even take their own photograph against a Victorian Portrait Studio backdrop, to explore the art of photography just like our ancestors did.”
Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite print. A prize draw of voting slips cast for the most popular will be held and the winner will receive a framed copy of the print.
The workshops take place from 10.30am to 4pm, on Sunday 23 June, Sunday 30June, Sunday 7 July and Sunday 21 July. Tickets cost £35 to members of the Isle of Man Photographic Society and the Friends of Manx National Heritage, and £40 to non members. Further discount is available for bookings for all four workshops.
For full details on the exhibition and workshops visit www.iomps.com, via Andrew Barton on Facebook at Andrew-Barton-Photography or via www.manxnationalheritage.im.
ENDS
Image Caption:
‘Hoverfly by Chris Blyth’, Isle of Man Photographic Society.