The work of acclaimed photographer John Ferguson is the focus of a new, free exhibition at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich which opens later this month. Here, he explains what it means to be exhibiting in his hometown
A new free exhibition ‘An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson’, which celebrates portraiture, identity and home, will open this June at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich. A multi-award-winning photographer, John is an internationally established documentary, lifestyle, and portrait photographer who lives in Ipswich, but is originally from North London. His images tell stories which are approachable and intimate.
This will be the first exhibition in Suffolk to explore photography from John’s esteemed career, which spans back to the 1990s when he became the UK’s first black staff photographer on a national newspaper under the editorship of Piers Morgan. He has since gone to earn recognition and accolades, establishing him as one of the most talented British photographers of our time.
Presenting portrait projects that John has worked on over the years, the exhibition will feature Ipswich’s newly acquired Black Suffolk photographic portraits, funded by The Art Fund and The Friends of the Ipswich Museums. The 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.
The exhibition also covers his time working with celebrities, including Oasis, The Spice Girls, The Osbournes, Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, David Bowie, and many more. It also looks at John’s favourite personal photo projects, from the Forgotten African American Cowboys to street photography, Ipswich Banger Racers, and his work with the Albino and Blind Associations.
John Ferguson says: ‘To have my work displayed in my newly adopted home of Ipswich is a tremendous honour for me. If I can inspire just one person to pick up a camera and explore their world, then this would bring a massive smile to my face.’
Kate Price, Assistant Director of Communities at Ipswich Borough Council, adds: ‘We’re excited to showcase John Ferguson’s work at Christchurch Mansion. John defines the phrase home-grown talent, and his vibrant and compelling photographs wonderfully depict the people who call Suffolk home. We hope lots of people take the opportunity to see this fantastic free exhibition.’
This exhibition follows a previous exhibition in Ipswich in August 2021; ‘Black Suffolk’ comprised 16 portraits of people aged between 9 and 83 from Suffolk’s Black community and was timed to coincide with the award-winning Power of Stories exhibition also at Christchurch Mansion, which featured three original costumes from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther blockbuster movie. The images are on The Guardian’s website.
Funded by Arts Council England through Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service’s National Portfolio Organisation funding, the exhibition has also been sponsored by Kersey’s Solicitors.
‘An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson’ will be on display at Christchurch Mansion’s Wolsey Art Gallery from Saturday 29 June 2024 to Saturday 27 April 2025. Visit cimuseums.org.uk and johnfergusonphoto.com.
Featured images by johnfergusonphoto.com
I’m really looking forward to seeing this exhibition. John’s work is superb and I’ve been lucky enough to see him in action many times. He works quickly and quietly, Often people aren’t aware they are being photographed and he’ll often capture a brilliantly surprising, fresh side to their personality and character. It makes you rethink and perhaps reframe the story the photos are illustrating. The other aspect of his work that I love is that he always makes his subjects look dignified, and often even heroic. That’s such a skill, especially when you’re sometimes taking photos of vulnerable people in tragic circumstances, or who are conveying a sad and personal story. It’s why all kinds of people trust him to photograph them at all stages of their lives.