Exhibiting Washed Up as part of JAM on the Marsh festival afforded privileged access to the medieval churches of Kent’s Romney Marsh. But creating a photography exhibition in a unique venue can bring with it a unique set of challenges.

Firstly, how to hang an exhibition in a Grade I listed building without causing any damage to the walls? An existing church banner showed a way to achieve this that would also be sympathetic to the space.

The next challenge was to find a suitable lightweight fabric on which to print the exhibition. The fabric also needed to respect the exhibition’s environmental message – highlighting the Ocean Plastics crisis.

Exhibition printing experts Genesis Imaging helped by sourcing a fabric light enough to hang and, more importantly, made from recycled Ocean Plastics! This shows how materials can be reused and play a part in a circular economy.

Showing the exhibition during the long days of summer, allowed the artwork to be viewed in daylight and without using any electricity. The high ceilings and pale walls allow natural light to flood the aisles, creating atmosphere and adding to the viewing experience. The spaces between each of the windows created a natural gallery which informed the final print size.

In keeping with the spirit of recycling, the exhibition is now available for loan. For details please message me here. If you missed the exhibition there is a virtual walk around here.

My sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the exhibition happen:

Edward & Sarah Armitage, John Frederick Hudson and Claudia Ott, thank you for welcoming me into the JAM on the Marsh family and creating the opportunity to further highlight the Ocean Plastics crisis by showing Washed Up to a wider audience.

Thank you to all the visitors from far and near who took time to view the work and stay and chat. I enjoyed your company and conversations and value friendships rekindled and new friendships made. Especially church wardens Margaret, Celia and Ellan for accommodating the exhibition at beautiful St.George’s Ivychurch.

Delphine’s Sewing Corner for her generosity of time and attention to detail in stitching the artwork (and altering my dress!) Ann-Louise Barton for last minute takeover of print sales. Geoff Waring’s initial encouragement in creating the work. The team at BBC South East. The exceptional colour prints were created by Bernie, Deep and the team at Genesis Imaging on Innotech fabric.

Lance Dally for always supporting my ventures, not forgetting his terrifying balancing act at the exhibition hanging! Ann Carrig, my mother, thank you for always encouraging me to follow my dreams, and brava for finding a dress that matched the photography!

For more information on the Ocean Plastics crisis and what we can do about it, take a look at Litter Picking Watch Romney Marsh and Surfers Against Sewage

As always thank you for subscribing to my blog, your support is greatly appreciated.

Wendy x