Dimbola presents three new exhibitions to visitors this Autumn.
Images of an Antique Land by David Tunnicliffe (Main Contemporary gallery)
Featuring a series of photographs showing the physicality and excitement of an Egypt that is both modern and also, without interruption, ancient. The images were captured over a span of four and a half years as David Tunnicliffe and his family embarked on a remarkable journey through the ancient land of Egypt.
Throughout this period, David held the esteemed position of resident staff photographer for the Egypt Exploration Society. However, these diverse images go beyond his professional role, offering a glimpse into his everyday encounters. They vividly portray the essence of life, the ever-changing landscapes, the rich historical tapestry, and the vibrant culture of this enigmatic and biblical land.
David admits,
“The selection for this exhibition was really hard to achieve.
“Without exaggeration I have tens of thousands of images of Egypt amassed over the four and a half years we lived there.
“What I wanted to do was to show a side of Egypt that is seldom seen by the ‘tourist,’” he added. “I hope I have been successful!”
The Isle of Wight: Its Places, People, and Literary Connections by John Bradshaw (Charles Hay Cameron gallery)
Amateur photographer John Bradshaw explores some remarkable people, where they lived, and also the literary connections associated with their presence on the island. The people include Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at Osborne House, Julia Margaret Cameron at Dimbola, Alfred Lord Tennyson at Farringford and others.
For the literary connections, quotations by Tennyson, Cameron, John Keats, Longfellow, W H Auden and others provide relevant links to the images. The wartime PLUTO project and Sir Winston Churchill’s tribute are also included, together with some infrared landscape images with appropriate quotations.
All of the images have been produced digitally but include some ‘replicas’ of 19th century early printing techniques.
Light Bends in Imaginary Gardens by Syd Buron (Studio gallery)
Since last Spring, Syd Buron (work pictured above) has worked with larger pieces using the fabulous darkroom in the basement here at Dimbola. The darkroom process he uses shares much in common with the process Julia Margaret Cameron would have used.
The pieces are made up of Syd’s collection of antique frames and mirrors on which he paints a photo sensitive liquid emulsion and exposes negatives. The mirrors are then developed and fixed in the darkroom, as you would a print. The resulting images have the quality of reflections on water – imaginary gardens existing behind the veil.
Some of the frames have been manipulated by Syd – fused with branches and root systems found on the island’s beaches and woodlands.
Working in a converted old greenhouse on the farm where he lives, his audio companion in the workshop has often been Daisy Rickman’s incredible album ‘Donsya A’n Loryow’. As it was the soundtrack to the creation of many of the pieces, he reached out to Daisy who agreed to let it be the soundtrack to the exhibition. All of what you see here is what was captured within the visual trinity of light, water, and in the camera’s eye”.
All works are for sale.
All the exhibitions run until the end of the year.
News shared by Elissa on behalf of Dimbola Museum and Galleries. Ed
