World renowned photographer at Ludlow gallery
A multi-award winning veteran photographer has agreed to show his internationally-recognised work in small gallery in a county town.
The Photo Space in Ludlow has only been open eight months, but has already bagged work by Sony award-winning documentary photographer and photojournalist Martin Parr, who was recently recognised by the World Photography Organisation for his outstanding contribution to the field.
Peter Jones, founder of the gallery, said it was a major coup – but those wishing to see the work will have to hurry as the exhibition is only on until Saturday.
Peter said: "I was stunned when Martin offered to forward his work from his 'Somerset House' exhibition, where he received an award for his outstanding contribution to photography over 40 years at the Sony World Awards."
The Photo Space has been open for eight months and is a venture between Peter, his wife Lucy and photographer Claire Carter. Its aim is to provide tuition, workshops, travel tours and other photography related projects from a three storey gallery and studio at 4 Castle Street, Ludlow.
Peter said, "I think we filled a hole in the art gallery world. There are so few places for photographers to exhibit their work and the popularity of the gallery in such a short time has certainly been helped by the quality of the work we have shown, by international photographers Boyd & Evans, seven local photographers who won our 'Ludlow Seven' competition, stunning film photographs by Peter Cattrell as he traced his great-uncle's footsteps in WW1, and now Martin Parr."
"We are now establishing a charity to bring the therapeutic, learning, social contact and personal development benefits of photography to people with particular needs – for example, to young people disabled by conditions such as autism and dyslexia, and to the more mature who may be living alone, suffering from ailments of age, looking for a rewarding interest or the opportunity to meet others with similar interests."
Peter is also looking for a darkroom in or around the Ludlow area, to offer people the chance to explore the traditional art of film photography and printing.
To compliment the Martin Parr exhibition, The Photo Space has organised a talk where enthusiasts can meet, view pictures and hear from Martin Parr at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on September 23.
Tickets are available from the Assembly Rooms.
