Having only ever displayed paintings rather than photographs, an art gallery in Swanage decided to branch out after a chance remark.
Purbeck New Wave Gallery in the High Street in Swanage is exhibiting stunning photographs of Dorset landscapes from local photographers until Thursday 27th July 2023.
Dramatic images from across Purbeck
Gallery owner Gina Marshall
“There’s photos taken from all different angles”
The Open Photography Exhibition was conceived after a photographer popped in to speak to the gallery owner Gina Marshall and asked whether she sold framed photographs.
Gina said:
“I had to tell them that we only sell paintings and gifts, however a seed of an idea was planted for a one off open exhibition of photographs.
“I reached out to local photographers via social media and it all happened from there. All the exhibitors live in Dorset except one – our guest photographer who does beautiful astrophotography images of Dorset landscapes.
“The photography is all of local places but I’ve tried to vary it and give the exhibition a twist. There’s photos taken from all different angles – from the water, from a boat or even from the sky using a drone!”
Plenty of photographs, prints and cards to browse
Photographer Milly Haines spends lots of time combining her passion of both swimming and photography
“It feels slightly surreal”
The photographers exhibiting are Milly Haines, Steve Belasco, Sarah Day, Ash Sayedi, Rhona Hoskins, Cenk Albayrak-Touye and Richard Murgatroyd.
Milly Haines, who lives in Swanage, takes her photos while swimming in the sea on her GoPro, allowing her to capture Swanage Bay from the water. She said:
“It feels slightly surreal for my photos to be hung on the wall in a gallery. It’s incredible for them to be brought to life, printed and framed – it’s quite special.
“I really like that we have all taken photos of similar places but they are all so diverse – different but complementary.”
Photographer Rhona Hoskins with her selection of Dorset landscapes
“It’s a great opportunity”
Rhona Hoskins is based in Weymouth and works in health and social care, currently as a team lead in a care home but likes to be out taking pictures in Purbeck when she can. She said:
“I saw the message that Gina had posted on the Swanage and Purbeck Photography Facebook group and immediately got in touch.
“It’s a great opportunity and good to see everyone else’s work too. It really goes to show that not all photographs are the same – there’s plenty of contrast even when it’s a photo of the same scene.”
Marine photographer Steve Belasco says he’s spent much of the last 30 years sailing up and down the Jurassic Coast taking photographs as he goes
Photographer Sarah Day says she always carries a camera with her and is inspired by whatever catches her eye
“Already attracting a lot of interest”
The exhibition is on for seven weeks, so there’s plenty of time to be able to have a browse. It’s in gallery 2 towards the back of the shop.
Gina added:
“The exhibition is already attracting a lot of interest, so if the success continues then we may be able to make the photography showcase an annual event.
“There’s now a series of different exhibitions planned throughout the rest of the year. I feel it’s good to offer opportunities to lots more artists and it also means there’s always something new going on in the gallery!”
Cenk Albayrak-Touye is based in Poole and only took up in photography in 2021 and he says it has quickly gone from a hobby to a passion
Get organised for 2024!
Special events at Purbeck New Wave Gallery 2023
- Tuesday 13th June to Thursday 27th July: Open Photography Exhibition
- Friday 28th July to Thursday 28th September: Little and Large
- Saturday 30th September to Sunday 15th October: Lewis Manning Charity Exhibition
- Monday 23rd October to 31st December: Winter Show
Purbeck New Wave Gallery in in the High Street in Swanage opposite the library
Further information
- More about the Purbeck New Wave Gallery and the Open Photography Exhibition
