Camera club’s grant will fund WW1 project

Banbridge Camera club Heritage Lottery Project committee members, Back L-R, Thomas Richardson, Edward Sterritt, Derek Geddis, Tom Fairley, Herbie Barr. Front L-R Colin Watson, Kieran Murray, Tommy Morgan, Jim Morgan. Credit: Victor Houston

Camera club members will explore different aspects of the imagery of the First World War seen through the lens of the photojournalists who participated in the war.

The project will focus on the rich photographic heritage which was captured at a heavy cost by courageous, visionary and skilful men and women during the war.

The team will learn how war images were produced and developed in the field at that time and contrast that with use of photos and media in today’s digital age.

Photographic images from the lens of the WW1 photographers, a recreation of “in the field development conditions” and other artefacts will be on display in the FE McWilliams studios, Banbridge during April 2016.

Local schools, youth groups, historical groups, British Legion branches and the general public will be invited along so they can experience the atmosphere the war photographers had to work in.

Tommy Morgan, club co-ordinator for the project, said: “This project will encourage young people to have pride in that period of time which their great grandparents experienced.”

Paul Mullan, Head of HLF NI added: “This project is delving into a really interesting aspect of the experience of war and we look forward to the planned exhibition and activities. All across the UK we have been supporting communities to explore the impacts of the First World War. Each individual project draws out different stories and experiences which add to our collective understanding of that complex period of history. It is thanks to National Lottery players that we can support these fascinating projects.”