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11/10/2012

Collective Observations

Towner, Eastbourne

Featuring contributions from Faye Claridge, Matthew Cowan, Doc Rowe, the Benjamin Stone Collection, Homer Sykes, Brian Shuel, Sara Hannant, Tom Chick, David Ellison and Henry Bourne.

Since Sir Benjamin Stone established the National Photographic Record Association (NPRA) in 1897, photographers have had a fascination with the rites and rituals of Britain. A new Towner exhibition curated by the Museum of British Folklore (headed by renowned Art Director Simon Costin) will explore the complimentary relationship between photography and folklore practice – featuring contemporary photographers such as Faye Claridge, Matthew Cowan and Doc Rowe, alongside archive images from the Benjamin Stone Collection, Flickr and more.

There are 720 recorded events, rites and customs practiced in the UK each year, and folklore is reflected in every element of our community, life and values. Folklore is a vibrant element of ‘Britishness’ and a living cultural heritage that links the past to the present, helping us to understand our communities and cultures as well as our shared humanity.

The medium of photography captures the ephemeral moment that is the heart of folk activity. Folklore resists being pinned down; the vast majority of folk activity has not been documented in a tangible or lasting form by its participants. However, in its acting out of traditions which may be hundreds of years old, we find the essential similarity between folklore and photography: despite existing in the here and now, both activities are an act of remembrance. Photographs act as a
repository of these fleeting happenings and constitute an artefact of folklore in themselves.

Collective Observations will consider the enduring appeal of vernacular traditions as rich subject matter for image makers, and explore how photographers have consistently turned their lenses toward the spectacle of these archaic customs – whether by documenting events (like Homer Sykes and Sara Hannant), making portraits (Henry Bourne, David Ellison) or taking a more conceptual approach (Matthew Cowan, Tom Chick).

Photographs from the image repository of our times, Flickr, reflect that folklore is constantly adapting to new circumstances and remains as relevant today as ever. At the same time we find ourselves in the midst of a cultural renaissance – an upsurge of interest in folklore through music, art and dance, and a growing trend and desire for people to reconnect with their communities, heritage and environment. The Museum of British Folklore resonates and responds to our growing yearning for connection and community as it undertakes a series of exhibitions across the UK on its journey towards a permanent physical home.

Image: David Ellison, Paul Murray, Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestlers, 2010, © the artist

Email for press enquiries only: gillian.clarkson@eastbourne.gov.uk

Private view Fri Oct 12 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Towner
Devonshire Park, College Road - Eastbourne BN21 4JJ
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Bank Holiday Mondays 10am – 5pm

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