County Museum Hosts ‘Life Through The Lens’ Exhibition.
04 January 2010
An exhibition of award-winning photographs taken by Press Club member John James is on display at Worcestershire County Council's County Museum at Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, until Sunday, April 18.
The Life Through The Lens exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, January 5, features shots from the 70s, 80s and 90s from freelance photographer John James. It covers a wide range of subjects from beautifully shot pictures of local people, animals and landscapes, to visits to the region by Prince Charles and Tony Blair.
John, who worked for over three decades for the Birmingham Post & Mail, winning many awards for his work, has captured some of the most interesting decades in British history in this exhibition. Other images cover more hard-hitting scenes from riots and strikes, air-disasters and funerals, as well as important occasions such as the release of the Birmingham Six and the homecoming of Terry Waite.
John, who is a member of the photographic judging panel for the Press Club’s annual Media Awards, said, “I got to travel the world and meet fascinating people from all walks of life, but it's not all glitz and glamour. I have been shot at twice, arrested twice, and was badly injured in the Handsworth riots, all for a good picture.
"Some of the images in the exhibition may be a bit hard-hitting but others will bring back fond memories. The most satisfying thing for me is to take a picture that makes people smile.”
Some of John’s cameras from the very earliest to more recent ones will also be on display, along with newspapers and magazines showing examples of his work in print and other memorabilia from his time as a press photographer.
Rachel Robinson, the County Museum's Visitor Services Officer, said, "The photographs are beautiful, amusing, thought-provoking and evocative and offer a real glimpse into the work of a press photograph at the end of the 20th century."
To complement the exhibition, staff at the museum have dug out their own clothing (and that of friends and families) from the 1970s and created a Fashions of the 70s display. For further information please call the museum on 01299 250416 or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/museum.
The County Museum is situated off the A449, three miles south of Kidderminster. It is open from 10am until 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, and from 11am until 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Usual admission costs are £4.50 adults, £2.25 children and concessions, £12 family ticket, from Tuesday 5 Jan to 23 Dec 2010.
