Memories captured in new exhibition

The Novium Museum is inviting the local community to become part of a new headline exhibition by submitting their own photographs of Chichester District.

Chichester Camera Club: A Celebration of People and Places will feature the rich history of Chichester Camera Club and its development over the years. 

Drawing from the club's archives, The Novium Museum's social history photography collection and contemporary work, this showcase will also explore the way in which the district has been a source of inspiration to the club's members across a range of photographic genres.

The wider district community is being called upon to become part of the exhibition by submitting their own digital photos for inclusion. Every three weeks, local residents will be asked to respond to a different theme including:

• people
• place
• natural world, and
• selfie

Twenty of the best photographs from each category will be selected and displayed digitally within the exhibition. The community will also be able to take part in a monthly caption competition and other interactive elements.

Lorna Brown OBE, former Chair of Chichester Camera Club says: "This is a wonderful opportunity to work in partnership with The Novium Museum to celebrate our long history and the many ways the area in and around Chichester has inspired our members."

2018 marks 125 years since The Chichester Photographic Society was formed in 1893. It was active until 1945 and, after a four year break, was re-formed in 1949 under the name of Chichester Camera Club. It has continued as such to the present day, and is recognised as one of the most successful camera clubs in the country, welcoming everyone with an interest in photography.

Councillor Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Chichester District Council says: "We live in such a beautiful district, with so much to offer. We look forward to input from the community with their own photos as well as images from members of the Chichester Camera Club, in what will become a highly engaging, collaborative and interactive showcase of the Chichester District."

Stephanie Thorndyke, Museum Manager, says: "We are delighted to be presenting an exhibition that has been co-created with the wonderful photographers of Chichester Camera Club. We really look forward to embedding content from our district community within the exhibition and hope to inspire the next generation of local photographers."

Chichester Camera Club: A Celebration of People and Places opens on Saturday, 24 November and will replace the popular Bricks Britannia: A History of Britain in LEGO Bricks exhibition, which will close to the public on Wednesday, 31 October 2018.

Admission is free, with donations gratefully received. Further information on community submissions and the exhibition will be available online or by calling 01243 775888.

Image credit: Tower Street by Charles Simcox, 1954