I attended an interesting day hosted by Ipswich Museum yesterday. Two of our current photography lecturers at UCS, Mark Edwards and Matthew Andrew presented a session in the museum using artefacts that the museum staff, Debbie and Rachel had put together ranging from circa 1840ish through to early 20th century (I think), maybe earlier. The Daguerreotypes/tinplates were absolutely fascinating in their presentation and quality. Matthew spoke convincingly about the history of these objects and Mark then presented a session on comparative practice culminating in fixed pinhole camera in New York that had exposures lasting 2 years.

I had not expected to be asked to talk though the current Historic & Contemporary Photography Exhibition at Ipswich Art School Gallery, but this gauntlet was thrown down by Matthew and I picked it up and led the group including a Mr. & Mrs Owens who were no relation to me around all the galleries finishing up in our space in Gallery 10.

The afternoon was then spent with another presentation by Matthew on historical context with much conflict photography followed by building a camera obscura in the Waterfront building.

I made every effort to invite the attendees to our artist-in-residence at Ipswich Town Hall from 3rd September to 13th September were the ‘equals’ photography group, of which I am a founding member, will take up residence in Gallery 3. We hope to interact with visitors by making their portraits on various media and also, if the council can find an appropriate room, build a camera obscura there also. We had this on our list of possible actions before we got wind of the Museum day.

We’d also like to exhibit some of my recent archiving material from Christchurch mansion along with a retrospective of mine dating back to 1972. I’m looking forward to seeing the other work of my fellow ‘equals’ members.

Please come and take part in our residency by having your portrait made or by just popping in to chat and see examples of our work