Barnstaple Reflections. 'This is Me!' Documentary Photography Open 2026 Exhibition

The Documentary Photography Open 2026 is an exhibition of photographs sent in by the public in response to the theme, This Is Me.  The theme asked the public to explore who they are, as people living in North Devon today.  In a world that is constantly changing, where people are constantly moving, the public was invited to reflect on what makes them unique.

To complement the Open, a selection of historic portraits by photographer, James Ravilious, will also be on display. The warmth and affection that Ravilious felt for his subjects shines out, each bringing to life the unique character and personality of each individual.

 

In addition, the exhibition will include photographs taken by GCSE students from Pilton Community College as part of a portrait project run by local photographer, Carole Evans and funded by the Richard and Siobhan Coward Foundation Fund. The ‘Selfies’ to Self-Aware Portrait Project encouraged students to explore what makes a good portrait, how to use low key and natural lighting and consider the question ‘what one word captures what is it to be a young adult in 2025’ in their portraiture.

Bill Cooke in his kitchen, Colehouse, May 1988, James Ravilious © Beaford Arts (All Rights Reserved)

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This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

25th April – 20th June 2026

 

Website link - This is Me! Documentary Photography Open 2026 – Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

 

01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

Unique Exmoor project exhibition at the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon

High up on Exmoor’s dramatic sea cliffs sits Kipscombe, an 880 acre landscape with a rich history over thousands of years.  

 

As Kipscombe enters a new chapter, cared for by the National Trust, this exhibition looks at this special place and the people who have helped bring it back to life for nature and community. Featuring photos, artwork, stories and footage for a lively and truly personal take on this unique Exmoor project.

There will be a launch event to celebrate the opening on the exhibition on Friday 23rd January, 5-7pm. All are welcome to join us and special guests for nibbles and a glass of wine or two!

Matilda planting trees. Photo copyright Bob Walters (All Rights Reserved) 

National Trust - A Living Landscape: New Beginnings at Kipscombe

24th January – 14th March 2026

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Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN
01271 388784 | barnstaplemuseum.org.uk
Entrance is always free.

Burton Art Gallery launches Bideford Photomonth 3rd May – 2nd June

Bideford Photomonth is a celebration of photography and rural life. The Burton Art Gallery in Bideford, North Devon will host a photography exhibition of two photographers who cross generations. Internationally renowned photographer Martin Parr will be showing alongside Devon based photographer Robert Darch. Together, they will share their view of rural life; a contrast to the James Ravilious prints in the Burton’s own collection which will also be on display.

Together, they will share their view of rural life; a contrast to the James Ravilious prints in the Burton’s own collection which will also be on display.

To coincide with these shows, we have created Bideford Photomonth during May.Visible Bideford, a series of portraits by Anita Corbin exhibited in shop windows, will lead visitors from the Burton up to Bideford Pannier Market, where there will be an exhibition of Gideon Mendel’s work When I’m 40. This work, commissioned by Beaford in 2023, depicts local children aged 9 or 10 years old wondering about what their favourite place will look like in 40 years time, raising questions about the climate and our local environment. Visible Bideford was made by Anita Corbin in October 2022; the photographs are a celebration of friendship and community, depicting both locals and visitors to our Little White Town.

Throughout the month of May, the Burton will host a number of workshops, talks and events to accompany these exhibitions. Our Art Box will be turned into a Camera Obscura by local artist Stephen Raff, and look out for workshops run by Foto-Now in the town and surrounding area.

We Need You!

North Devon is an area of outstanding natural beauty, one of many on this island we call home. To celebrate the beauty of the British countryside, we want to collect your photographs. Please submit any photographs you have through Instagram using the hashtag #ruralconnections. Each day through May we will show a selection of these on a screen in the gallery.

Photo credit Robert Darch. (All Rights Reserved)

Young Bulls Eating Thistle Heads, July 1981. Photo credit Martin Parr (All Rights Reserved)

 When I’m 40. Photo credits Gideon Mendel

Visible Bideford. Photo credit Anita Corben

(All Rights Reserved)

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford