‘Suffolk Creatives’, a new series of portraits shining a light on talented women from across county, has been unveiled to the public at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. One of those creatives, Jennifer Hall, explains what it means to be part of An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson exhibition
A stunning selection of portraits focusing on ‘Suffolk Creatives’ has been unveiled to the public this week as part of the highly successful ‘An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson’ exhibition in the Wolsey Art Gallery at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. John Ferguson is an internationally established documentary, lifestyle, and portrait photographer who lives in Ipswich. ‘An Eye for Life’ is the first exhibition to showcase John’s photography in Suffolk and also explore his past career, with highlights including his work as a senior photographer for a leading national newspaper.
It presents portrait projects that John has worked on over the years, now with the addition of these images of female ‘Suffolk Creatives’ from a new project funded by Arts Council England. Subjects include the award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, writer and composer-musician Dide; the artists and painters Georgina Barclay, Samantha Barnes, Edwina Longe, Sahara Longe and Emma Withers; Juliet Gilkes Romero, journalist and award-winning writer for stage and screen; artist, sculptor and printmaker Jennifer Hall; Lilly Hammond, illustrator and designer; Alice Hawkins, artist-photographer; and the self-taught taxidermist Hannah Debnam.
They join an outstanding collection of photographs forming a 25-year retrospective of John’s work in the free exhibition. This covers his time working with a host of celebrities, including Oasis, The Spice Girls, The Osbournes, Dolly Parton, Tom Jones and David Bowie. It also looks at John’s favourite personal photo projects, from the Forgotten African American Cowboys to Ipswich Banger Racers. His Black Suffolk series of 20 photographic portraits creatively explores the concept of home for a diversity of people from the African-Caribbean community who were born in the county or who have made Suffolk their home.
Works by two of the featured artists, Jennifer Hall and Emma Withers, will be on display in the gallery alongside their portraits. Jennifer says: ‘I am really excited to be part of this exhibition and was very touched to be asked. It’s so special to be amongst a group of talented women artists working today in Suffolk and brought together by stunning photography.’
John Ferguson says: ‘The aim of the ‘Suffolk Creatives’ project was to start to address the current absence of a singular body of work that celebrates and recognises the diversity, impact and influence of female Suffolk artists. My aim was that their portraits should break from tradition, and be dynamic, compelling and vibrant images that capture the diverse and rich essence of each woman and their work.’
Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums, says: ‘An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson’ has proved incredibly popular with visitors to the Wolsey Art Gallery ever since the exhibition opened last summer. These images tell stories of people’s lives – challenging the viewer and changing perceptions of identity and portraiture, yet they are approachable and intimate too. I’m delighted that the addition of the new ‘Suffolk Creatives’ series of portraits is now also shining a light on talented women from across our county – from poets and painters to sculptors and saddle makers.’
‘An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson’ is on display at Christchurch Mansion’s Wolsey Art Gallery until Saturday 27 April 2025. On Saturday 25 January, from 2pm to 3.30pm, an ‘In conversation with John Ferguson’ drop-in event will be held at the Wolsey Art Gallery. This is a chance to meet the photographer, and find out about his projects, techniques and inspirations, as well as seeing the newly displayed ‘Suffolk Creatives’ photographs presented alongside the rest of the work on show in the exhibition.
Featured images supplied by Colchester & Ipswich Museums
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