Here: Uncovering North Devon
Explore thousands of unseen photographs by James Ravilious and Roger Deakins displayed for the first time. Listen to stories about then and now from people in north Devon. Add your voice to an ever-evolving record of our region.
The Beaford Archive is an extraordinary collection of material about north Devon which dates back to 1890. It is best known for its photographs by James Ravilious and it was one of the first commissions taken on by Roger Deakins, now an Oscar-winning cinematographer.
As part of a huge Heritage Lottery-funded project, Beaford has been digitising and revealing thousands of previously unseen images. Through interviews with people connected to the photographs, projects with primary school children and public workshops and events, Beaford has asked people what the Archive means to them.
In this exhibition, those who live and work in north Devon give their unique take on the Archive and the deep connections it inspires, human stories it uncovers and the future considerations it provokes.
You’ll be able to explore the photographs, listen to the voices of local people and view new artworks inspired by the Archive.
You’ll also discover how its themes impact the lives of people living in north Devon now, and you can add your own responses in order to help shape the Archive.
To accompany the exhibition, there will be a number of talks, discussions and workshops. Keep an eye on our social media and the Beaford website for full listings.
Holidaymakers by the sea, Westward Ho!, 1973 Documentary photograph by James Ravilious for the Beaford Archive © Beaford Arts