Full exposure for BA (Hons) photography student Smith

Ian Smith, a third-year photography student at the University of Bolton currently has his work displayed at the Horwich Heritage Centre.

The ‘Unusual Listed Buildings’ project was inspired by the practice of Psychogeography and concerns heritage buildings that one may not realise have historical significance in relation to both local and national events. The body of work recognises the value of such buildings, presented alongside a timeline detailing the construction date as well as activities recorded from the same time period, offering viewers a context to its history.

Ian, whose work has previously been displayed at the Full Exposure exhibition in Bolton Market Place, claims the concept and inspiration came from a variety of sources, including ideas from visits to some of the North West’s leading galleries such as the Manchester Art Gallery and Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool. Commenting on the achievement, Ian said: “With this piece, I really want viewers to enjoy and remember the experience by not only seeing the photograph but also gaining additional information and understanding the context of the buildings. My aim was to construct a timeless exhibition, intended for display at a location within the community, and that’s exactly what we’ve managed to achieve.”

The installation was arranged with by Stuart Whittle, Chairman of the Horwich Heritage Society and the project will be displayed in Horwich Heritage Centre until February 2018, with the possibility of re-exhibiting the show later in the year. Discussions are also ongoing with Chorley Borough Council to exhibit the body of work in Astley Hall in Chorley in the near future.