Brighton Seafront Through Our Eyes

A group of young people have been investigating ‘spirit of place’ and themes of landscape, place and time with Sussex-based photographer Rachel Poulton.

From this, they have been inspired to create new photographs exploring the topography of Brighton & Hove past and present.

Together the group began by delving into the museum’s vast photography archive with its historical images of our seaside town, then going out to photograph Brighton’s seafront as they see it now.

You can read Lily’s review of the archive session here.

The artist-led workshops focused on introducing new techniques and creative strategies that have resulted in a striking series of images that represent each participant’s unique view of their much loved and photographed seaside town.

Brighton is one of the most iconic coastal resorts but for the young members of Brighton Photography Club it is simply home. Through exploration of both archival images and contemporary photographs, the young people started to see Brighton from a fresh perspective.

The group’s activities included a behind the scenes peek into the museum’s stores, and curator tours of two museum exhibitions World Above the Waves: Brighton’s Chain Pier and Roger Bamber: Out of the Ordinary.

As part of the Bronze Arts Award accreditation the young people were required to review an exhibition, and share their thoughts in a public forum. You can read their reviews here.

Comparing past and present, they noticed changes in the landscape and spotted sites that have remained the same. Familiar landmarks became more significant and so, with cameras in their hands and newly acquired photographic skills, each young person set out to capture Brighton’s distinctive ‘spirit of place’.