It seems very appropriate that photographs showing rural life on Dartmoor which were taken well over a century ago will be exhibited in a 17th century moorland barn, close to where they were originally taken.
The photographs are part of a collection of work by Arthur Roope Hunt, produced in the late 19th and early 20th century. Alongside these historic images will be the work of 20 professional photographers, which reveal yet more individual interpretations of the moor.
The exhibition, Dartmoor Light and Shadow, aims to capture the essence of life on the moor, through both these archive and contemporary photographs.
The Dartmoor Trust is behind the new show which takes place at Neadon Barn at Manaton this month.
The trust is a charity which supports the people and history of Dartmoor and it set up the Dartmoor Archive around 25 years ago. The archive contains thousands of photos and recordings, including those by Arthur Roope Hunt,who was a pioneer in the field of photography.
Some of his photos, taken in the fields around Neadon, where his descendants still live, will appear in the exhibition.
The exhibition is part of a two-year project run by the trust in the legacy of Phoebe Wortley-Talbot.
Phoebe, who was born in 1926 and died in 2009, was activity involved in work to protect the moorland environment and preserve the traditional way of life on the moor. She left money in trust to be used by her family for Devon and Dartmoor-based charitable causes.
The Dartmoor Trust is running the Legacy Project as a tribute and celebration of her work.
The aim is to create a lasting portrait of Dartmoor, capturing the essence of the moor as interperted through the eyes of contemporary artists and photographers.
It’s in two parts, the first being the Dartmoor Light and Shadow exhibition at Neadon Barn, followed by a focus on painting and fine next year, run in collaboration with the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts.
‘We are thrilled to showcase the talents of esteemed photographers such as Nicholas J R White, Robert Darch, Suzy Bennett, Josh Greet, Fern Leigh Albert, and many others,’ says organiser Lauren Wiig. ‘Their diverse perspectives capture the essence of Dartmoor's landscapes, history, and culture, offering viewers a unique visual experience.’
A book celebrating the photographers, the moor, and the legacy of Phoebe Wortley-Talbot is also being produced to coincide with the Dartmoor Light and Shadow exhibition.
Lauren says: ‘Neadon Barn has hosted various successful art exhibitions since 2002 and we expect this one to be of great interest. As the exhibition coincides with Devon Open Studios and Heritage Open Days, it presents an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts and visitors alike to explore the rich cultural heritage of our region.’
Dartmoor Light and Shadow runs from September 7-15 at Neadon Barn.
