Abingdon and District Camera Club: Artweeks

2:51pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

A visit to view the Artweeks photographic exhibition by members of the Abingdon and District's Camera Club was not for the faint hearted - only those capable of climbing six flights of stairs and live to tell the tale would have been able to enjoy this excellent collection of photographs. The exhibition was tucked away on the second-floor gallery of Abingdon's County Hall Museum. It deserved a more accessible space, particularly as the club is now actively involved in creating and publicising exhibitions at the museum. Added to which, this exhibition was by way of celebrating the club's 30th anniversary, which is why many of the images displayed were taken 30 years ago.

This eclectic mix of photographs showed what a diverse group these talented photographers are. There was everything from black-and-white close-up studies of Cobwebs by Felicity Jenkins, to Derek North's classic picture of Christ Church Quad, which is also in black-and-white.

David Mazey showed what a fascinating and historic place Abingdon is by capturing the Seven Tall Red Brick Chimneys on the alms houses in Long Alley - this is a delightful picture. David also caught the timeless atmosphere of Clifton Hampden by photographing its church and bridge on a sunny day. Arthur Morgan's Fire Sculpture demonstrated just how a camera can highlight a particular moment and in doing so capture the atmosphere generated at a unique event. This photograph was taken the evening that Broad Street was ablaze with fire sculptures to celebrate 1,000 years of Oxfordshire.

Still Waters by Lynda Pasquire is a superb study of calm still waters that surround one lone tree, which stands as an island in the centre of this lovely picture. Among the photographs of yesteryear visitors discovered a delightful study of two impish young boys sitting in the centre of a large tractor wheel. This black-and-white work, taken at a ploughing show near Bampton caught the rural nature of the event perfectly.

This collection deserved to be seen by a wider audience, including those in wheelchairs. Let us hope the photographers show their work in a more accessible place next time.

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