Letting off steam at Woody Bay Station for Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday 2022

Far from the madding bank holiday beach crowds, we enjoyed a sunny start to the Platinum Jubilee weekend with a visit to Woody Bay Station in the heart of Exmoor National Park.

Pristine is the only word you can use to describe, the locomotive and carriages of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway lovingly restored by a team of volunteers. We were greeted by a smiling bowler-hatted “Stan” aka Stan Laurel from 'Laurel and Hardy do Devon' and the smart uniformed Station Master before boarding the train.

A delightful trip on the narrow-gauge track rolling through stunning Exmoor countryside, with views out the window across the land with sheep and gamboling lambs, to the coast. Green fields all the way to Killington Lane Halt with a short rest to step out and enjoy the scenery while the engine shunted its way up and back for the return. Keeping up with railway protocol, a poignant moment captured when the “Token” was exchanged between the signalman and the engine driver. Even more poignant as this was the driver’s first time in charge of the train watched over by his long experienced mate. The Station building was bedecked with bunting and flags, Platinum Jubilee cupcakes and a right royal HM70 celebration cake with her majesty’s smile taking centre stage.

Your ticket is valid for the day giving you the option to ride the train as many times as you like, there are plenty of the heritage carriages so you don’t need to share with strangers if you don’t want to, there is even a first class carriage right behind the engine. Educational for schools and railway enthusiasts, fun for families and those with four-legged friends are welcome to go walkies on the Woodland Trail.

Chuffing sound, the puff of smoke and the toot of the whistle ……nostalgia …..pure magic.

Please scroll down for links to the Woody Bay Station website, information and history of the railway and how you can support the Railway Trust’s plans to extend the track bed.

• Check the plans to extend the railway - Planning News Update 18th May 2022 | The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (lynton-rail.co.uk)
• Please register your support for the L&B Railway Trust online with Exmoor National Park

Full steam ahead

Platinum Jubilee Cakes in honour of Her Majesty 

 Handing over the token at Killington Lane Halt

Movie legend look-a-like on the platform

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All photos copyright Pat and Brett Adams (All rights reserved)

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO ALBUM 'LETTING OFF STEAM 2022' ON FLICKR 

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CLICK HERE to find out all about Lynton and Barnstaple railway

• The only steam railway in the UK where passengers travel in Victorian railway carriages designed in the 1890s
• Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline.
• Originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world's most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways; the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.
• You board your train - comprised of restored heritage carriages - at Woody Bay Station, and travel to Killington Lane and back on a two-mile round trip behind a narrow-gauge steam locomotive.

>Planning News Update 18th May 2022 | The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (lynton-rail.co.uk)

>https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/special-events

>https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/railway

>Entertainers 'Laurel and Hardy do Devon' are on Facebook

Congratulations to Our Faithful Queen Celebrating 70 years of Faith & Service

Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, 70 years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 when Her Majesty was 25 years old.

• Read all about Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family - https://www.royal.uk 

• Guide to the Platinum Jubilee weekend, Royal Events and Ceremonies - https://www.royal.uk/guide-platinum-jubilee-weekend

Congratulations to Our Faithful Queen
Celebrating 70 years of Faith & Service

Photo credit Jacob King/PA Wire/PA Images.

Local Links

• North Devon Gov.uk  >CLICK HERE
  

• Local News: North Devon Gazette >CLICK HERE 

• Local News: Devon Live >CLICK HERE

• Local radio: The Voice >CLICK HERE  

• The Big Sheep: > CLICK HERE
  

• Road closures: BBC >CLICK HERE  

• Roads and transport DEVON.GOV >CLICK HERE 

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#PlatinumJubilee #HM70.

Westward Ho! Waving the Blue Flag for North Devon

Just perfect. Westward Ho! has once again been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, that’s 17 years in a row 👏👏☀️☀️🏖-

“The Blue Flag Award is the international quality mark for beaches. The prestigious award scheme acts as a guarantee to everyone that a beach is among the finest not only in the country, but globally. They are only awarded to coastal destinations that boast the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.” (theseasideawards.org)

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#landscapephotography on the #coast #beachlife #sand and #sky #atlanticocean #seascape #photography #landscape #pebbleridge #cloudformations #westwardho! #bideford #northdevon #southwest #picoftheday #england #uk #blue #sky over a #blueflag #beach #photooftheday #visitdevon #lovenorthdevon #visitwestwardho

Just perfect Beach at Westward Ho! Photo cooyright Pat Adams (All rights reserved)

Click here North Devon Focus on Westward Ho!

 

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England. Pastoral scenes in the North Devon countryside.

Moments of peace in the countryside. We headed for the horizon and the bright yellow of the rapeseed fields, the vibrant yellow was slightly muted by the sea mist rolling in. The photos taken capture the patchwork fields, winding country lanes and wildflower filled verges, England's green and yellow pleasant land. Flower power in the Devon countryside does the heart good. Wish everyone, everywhere could experience such tranquility.
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#getoutside #pastoral #landscape #foreverengland finding #peace in the #countryside #mentalhealthawareness #findingpeace
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“Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 9 May to Sunday 15 May 2022”

 

Moments like this - Photos copyright Pat and Brett Adams

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Pitch Perfect.. Sights and sounds at The Valley of Rocks

So many sights and sounds at The Valley of Rocks, birdsong, bees buzzing, goats bleating or baahing (do goats baah like sheep) and the whack of leather on willow. Sounds like the lads are getting ready for the season down below. Practice makes perfect.  

“Lynton and Lynmouth Cricket Club was established in 1876. The ground, which is thought of by many as the most picturesque in England, is situated in the centre of The Valley of Rocks, between two giant tors, with sweeping views down to the sea.” 

I think that's a pretty good description of the view.

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Be wildfire aware. Advice on how you can prevent wildfires

Fire down below over the border. The Devon and Somerset Fire Service were out on Sunday fighting fires near Porlock, we chatted to a crew who helped get the one down below under control as they were returning to their station at Combe Martin.

There have been a few large #wildfires on #dartmoor and Exmoor in the past couple of weeks, you can see in these pictures how dry the grassland is so #bewildfireaware, think of the wonderful environment, nesting birds and wildlife before firing up the BBQ. 

For advice visit dsfire.gov.uk @dsfireupdates on how you can prevent wildfires 🔥

• Take your litter home.
• Don't throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Glass in direct sunlight can cause fires - ensure there is none lying around.
• Don’t have campfires or barbecues in the countryside. Only have them in safe designated areas.

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Bideford Railway Trails. End of the line.

Below is one of the views passengers would see while waiting to alight from the train arriving at the platform Bideford. I can imagine them stepping off the carriage and being greeted by the staff from the Royal Hotel which could be accessed from the trackside. Opposite the hotel by the river is Brunswick Wharf, home berth for many years to the iconic Top Sail Schooner 'Kathleen and May'. The wharf and building has been cleared recently cleared in readiness for the 'Brunswick Wharf Regeneration'. >Pic 2 is the iconic hotel rising up from the platform. Welcome to Bideford.

The railway from Barnstaple to Bideford was opened in 1855 but was sadly closed to regular passengers in October 1965 as part of the notorious Beeching Report. The line from Barnstaple-Torrington-Meeth remained open for freight traffic until 1982. The railway track was lifted in 1985 and the whole of line was purchased by Devon County Council and converted into the now popular Tarka Trail Footpath & Cycleway. The Bideford & Instow Railway Group was set up in 1988 and has worked hard since that date to restore the Bideford Station site. The Bideford Railway Heritage Centre is situated here

 

Bideford Long Bridge view from the Tarka Trail. Photo copyright Pat Adams

The Royal Hotel rising up from the Bideford Railway platform. Photo copyright Pat Adams

Bideford Railway Heritage Centre on the Tarka Trail, Bideford. Photo copyright Pat Adams

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Bideford Railway Tracks Blog Post Click Here

Kathleen and May Maritime Heritage Links and the Duke of Edinburgh - Click Here

Explore Bideford Railway Station and the Tarka Trail with the North Devon Focus - Click Here

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About: "Kathleen and May is the last remaining British built wooden hull three masted top sail schooner. Registered in Bideford, North Devon, but presently based in Liverpool, she is listed as part of the National Historic Fleet." (>wikipedia)

About: Brunwick Wharf Regeneration > "A beautiful new quayside development, featuring apartments, design studios, retail and restaurants"

Community Spirit. Get ready for an action-packed Bideford Soapbox Derby 2022

We have all seen the one on T.V, well get ready for Bideford’s very own version of the Soapbox Derby packed with all the spills and thrills, carnage and calamities that come with a derby. Come and witness man and his handbuilt machine battle it out to be crowned champion of the steep Bideford High Street course, whilst skilfully driving up, over and around stratigically placed obstacles all in aid of charity.

With a stage, live music, food, drink and stalls for all to enjoy come along, watch the action unfold and be a part of BSBD amazing journey and enjoy the “jaw dropping” action for free!

Bideford Soapbox Derby 19th June 2022 from 12 until finish
In aid of a great charity ChemoHero.

The fantastic photos showing the real community spirit of the colourful event above were captured at the 2021 event by Andy Francis, Tarkography

To Enter please email for an application pack: it is filling up fast.
If you want a stall, sponsor the event or have an advert in our program please
Email bidefordsoapboxderby@gmail.com

Bideford SoapBox Derby 2021 - Photo credit Andy Francis

Bideford SoapBox Derby 2021 - Photo credit Andy Francis

Bideford SoapBox Derby 2021 - Photo credit Andy Francis

Bideford SoapBox Derby 2021 - Photo credit Andy Francis

About Bideford Soapbox Derby
This is a community event raising funds for ChemoHero. The event would not be possible without the support from family, friends, volunteers, businesses and everyone involved! ,

 

Contact BSBD

Email: bidefordsoapboxderby@gmail.com

EVENTBRITE - TAP HERE FOR TICKETS 

Follow

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Instagram

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Twitter: @bidefordsoapbox

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Bideford SoapBox Derby 2021 - All photos copyright Andy Francis Tarkatography (All Rights Reserved)

Happy Twosday

Whatever way up the 22nd February 2022 is a very special day. A "Once in a lifetime" day and there won't be another one like it for 200 years.

Palindrone Day is when the day’s date can be read the same way forwards or backwards.

I looked out the window to see the moon setting around 8am and took a shot of the golden sky at sundown.

Happy #twosday 2222222

 He’s weathered the storms. A bright sight for a special day #22222.-

Happy #twosday 2222222. Watching the sun going down on Palindrome Day

HAPPY NEWS

22.02.2022: social media gets excited over palindrome ‘Twosday’ >The Guardian

Winter drops at RHS Garden Rosemoor.

Well we've certainly seen some dark and moody times of late so where better to enjoy some vibrant colour on a rainy Winter's day. Gold and crimson hues and a dash of green as the Snowdrops emerge underneath the Dogwood. Leafless but not lifeless, Cornus alba 'Sibrica' sets the scene beside and just beyond the lake. From peaceful Japanese tranquility to hilarious looking spikey haired "Flowerpot Men" a walk around certainly lifts the spirits.

Japanese Lantern under the early flowering Cherry

 Sharp Focus - Spikey-haired 'Flower Pot Men'  & Snowdrops amidst the Fiery Crimson Dogwood

The Lake

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Just a  few of the colourful highlights which caught my eye on a stoll around RHS Garden Rosemoor on a Winter's Day - Photos credit Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Watch the Birdie. Are you ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch 2022

The wind and rain of recent months has subsided and there seems to be a lot of fluttering in the garden at the moment, so thrilled that in addition to the regular visitors we now have a Male Bullfinch and a Nuthatch visiting each day, I do hope they stick around for the Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of the week. I regularly submit my results each year, here are my results for 2021.

6 Sparrows - 3 chaffinch - 5 goldfinch - 7 Starling - Blue Tit - Coal Tit - Wren

Dunnock - Robin - M & F  Blackbirds but they came later

Tap here for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results 2021

 

Birds in my garden January 2022

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Feathered Friends through the years   

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is from 28th-30th January 2022. They are counting on you to count the birds in your garden. Click here to find out more

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The links to general information or products listed on this page are for your convenience. NB If you purchase through any affiliate link it may (or most probably not) result in a small commission. The merchant only knows you have visited this site if your Cookies are enabled. However we do hope the links help you with advice and general information on caring for birds and wildlife in your garden while supporting to the RSPB.

The RSPB offers a great range of high-quality, environmentally friendly products. We sell high quality bird food, feeders, nestboxes, and unique homeware items. Save nature while you shop.

>RSPB

>Bird Food>Bird Houses and Nestboxes

 >Books

 >Wildlife 

>RSPB Shop Sale

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Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronical

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Explore the Coast and' Country' side of  Bideford Bay and Beyond

>North Devon Focus Website 

COTIDAL: The Appledore Chapter “What do you see when you see the sea?”

What do YOU see when you see the sea and what would YOU like to share or tell others about the sea?

With a deadline of February 28th, the Time and Tide Bell charity is inviting you to create and submit your own short films or audio content, recordings which share what you feel about the sea.

COTIDAL is an ambitious new creative artwork by the Devon based artist Tania Kovats, commissioned by the Time and Tide Bell Organisation. Tania’s ambition is to create a 24 hour and 50-minute-long film, the length of a lunar day. Her film will track the movement of high tide around the UK. Made up of community contributions, films and sound recordings, the film will be edited with Kovats’ own filmed material and woven together to create a cinematic celebration of our island's tides.

The first chapter of this film is being made in North Devon, where the inaugural Time and Tide Bell was placed on the seawall in Appledore. The hour-long film will be the opening episode of this exciting national project. The project and film will gather together people’s feelings about, and responses to, the sea which surrounds our island. It will be a visual and community driven representation of how the tide is a wave that connects us. The film will be screened, for free, in north Devon later in 2022. After which it will be available to view online.

Tania is offering an open invitation for you to share what you see when you see the sea. As an artist her work “Addresses our relationship with water, rivers, seas, oceans and our liquid selves. We live on a small island, with a dynamic coastline, and I believe this shapes who we are and how we think. We all have a relationship with the sea. COTIDAL hopes to help us share our thoughts and feelings about the sea with each other. As land based creatures, we forget how important the health of our seas is to our planetary survival. COTIDAL hopes to explore both personal and environmental thoughts about our collective waters.”

Film and audio recordings, up to 2 minutes long, can be submitted for inclusion in the film. Content can be uploaded to the Time and Tide Bell website - https://www.timeandtidebell.org/cotidal-upload/. Excerpts of submitted content may be included in the hour-long film.

Remember the deadline for submitting your films or audio is February 28th 2022.

To find out more and to take part in COTIDAL 

visit our website https://timeandtidebell.org/cotidal/. 

 

 

Photo credit Tania Kovats

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Follow COTIDAL on social media,

 
 >Instagram: cotidal_

 >Instagram: Kovats66

 >Facebook: @cotidalproject

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ABOUT Time and Tide Bell Organisation & Artist Tania Kovats >

Happy North Devon Breaks

Wind and waves, a look back at just some of the action shots around Bideford Bay. Looking forward to more North Devon Breaks in 2022.

Happy New Year

 

Pat Adams -  North Devon Focus

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Glad Tidings & Season's Greetings from Bideford - Santa's on his way.

Santa's on his way so I'm sending Glad Tidings and Season's Greetings to all my followers. Thank you so much for visiting and liking the pictures and posts on my North Devon Focus Website, Blog, Facebook, Flickr and Instagram. Thank you for sharing your news and local events.

It's been a tough year for everyone so I think we all deserve a little sparkle. 

🎄🎄🎅🎅Merry Christmas🎅🎅 🎄🎄

Here's to a happier, peaceful 2022 

STAY SAFE 

Best wishes Pat Adams

North Devon Focus

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Local Author Danny Hughes publishes his Children’s Book, “Life’s Crazy! Esme’s Story”

Danny's children’s book “Life’s Crazy! Esme’s Story” receives its launch at 11.30am on Saturday 11th December at the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington. He will be reading excerpts from his book, and there will be music with Fleur Sparrow, followed by book signings. It is a free event, everyone is welcome.

Danny, who lives in Great Torrington, said,”It is the story of Esme, who has hair like fire, is proud, kind, almost nine years old, and dances to her own tune!” The book is set in North Devon and bursts into life with thirty beautiful colour paintings by the artist Klara Plumtree.

Danny, who has been a Community Arts Organiser and worked for the Devon Wildlife Trust for many years, has merged his passions of arts and nature into this story, which has been 20 years in the making.

He conjures up an exciting tale influenced by his own experiences living with his children in a caravan in the Devon countryside. Life's Crazy! Esme’s Story, aims to capture the quirkiness of Roald Dahl, the playfulness of Pippi Longstocking and the message of climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Serious subjects are tackled including bullying, the loss of a parent, and the threat of the destruction of an ancient woodland. But this is not a dull read. It is a fast moving, magical story about the power of fun, personal courage and hope! 

 “Life’s Crazy! Esme’s Story” by local author Danny Hughes

 

Local Author Danny Hughes 

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Danny's book “Life’s Crazy! Esme’s Story”

is available at the Plough Arts Centre Craft Fair, Great Torrington from 1st–23rd December. 

 Suitable for children aged 7–10 years.

 For further information and to order a copy email Danny at esmestory10@gmail.com

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Local stockists include: 

Plough Arts Centre; The Sweet Spot,  Great Torrington;

 Ilfracombe Book Shop; The Bookery, Crediton; 

Walter Henry’s Bookshop, Bideford; Appledore Bookshop.

Autumn Highlights. Time to celebrate the "Silver Darlings" down Along Clovelly

Clovelly Herring Festival always falls in November. It's the time of year when our historic village celebrates the coming of the great "Silver Darlings", better known as Herring. We celebrate and promote this tasty, nutritious fish whilst supporting sustainable fishing.

The Maritime historian and writer, Mike Smylie, attends with his "Kipperland" exhibition, which is devoted to the history of all things herring. Mike also turns the herring into delicate-tasting kippers and bloaters in his smokehouse for sale.

Flaxland will provide their exhibitions and demonstrations.  An opportunity to discover how the flax plant is used to make a vast range of goods.

On the quay, kitchens serve a variety of delicious herring specialities along with beer, gin and cider tastings, local food and craft stalls. Throughout the day there will be live music, street entertainers, face-painting, art workshop, an exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing, tasters & recipes, and children's activities.

Herring, an oily fish, whether fresh or smoked, is an excellent source of some great health benefits, such as low mercury and high protein content.  Herring contains many key nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids (apparently giving good effects on brain, eyes, heart and muscle function) and other nutritional benefits with so many vitamins, including Selenium, etc.

Ahoy there. Couple of brave old sea dogs aka Vertigo Stilts on the cobbles - Photo credit Pat Adams

Locally caugh Perham Herring at Clovelly Harbour - Photo credit Pat Adams

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Clovelly Herring Festival
Sunday, 21st November 2021, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Standard admission charges include all entertainment.

Clovelly Harbour
Contact: Tel: 01237 431781. www.clovelly.co.uk

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The Clovelly Herring Festival features in lots of publications 

and TV programmes and is one of the best five autumn food festivals

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Clovelly Herring Festival - All Photos credit Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Burton at Bideford Exhibition: An English Eye: the photographs of James Ravilious 6th October - 30th December

A collection of iconic photographs by renowned local artist-photographer, James Ravilious are on display at The Burton at Bideford. The collection of black and white photographs provides one of the most important visual records of rural life in North Devon between 1972 and 1997, while also representing the best of James Ravilious’ work as a whole.

On public display for the first time since the gallery purchased the collection in 2020, this retrospective of James’ work takes us on a trip down memory lane. Highlights include the image of fondly-remembered Olive Bennett smiling somewhat nervously in the doorway of an outbuilding in the company of her herd of Red Devon cows. Also featured are images of Archie Parkhouse reminiscing in a wood, and of the weathered and life-worn traveller reclining on the grass surrounded by his belongings. As well as familiar and characterful locals, there are also nostalgic depictions of agricultural life, traditional practices and landscapes, as well as intimate domestic scenes.

The son of artists Eric Ravilious and Tirzah Garwood, James Ravilious worked as an art teacher in London before moving to North Devon in 1972. It was here that he took up photography professionally and was commissioned by the region’s Beaford Archive to document and capture for posterity the fast disappearing traditional landscapes and practices of rural life in Devon. During the lifetime of the project, James Ravilious took more than 80,000 black and white photographs. The collection now on display at The Burton brings together approximately 103 of those works.

Working primarily in black and white, James Ravilious had a natural ability to perfectly capture the inner narrative of his subjects. He mostly studied his characters from ground level, and from the vantage point he gives us, we feel part a scene, as if we are shadowing the characters as they go about their daily business. The protagonists of the photographs are people who were clearly known to James - they were his neighbours. Named in the titles and captions that accompany the images, we feel a deeper sense of intimacy with them.

All bar a few of the largest images on display were developed by hand in James’ own darkroom. Even those few that were too large to be printed by hand, were printed commercially under the artist’s close supervision. When taking photographs, James developed a distinctive technique using older, uncoated lenses on his Leica rangefinder camera. A compensatory development process gave his photographs a subtle and ‘silvery’ quality.

Director of The Burton, Ian Danby says,
“It is fantastic to be able to show ‘An English Eye: the photographs of James Ravilious’ as part of our 70th anniversary celebrations, and we are delighted to be custodians of the works for the people of North and Devon and beyond, documenting – as they do – a period of great change in the area.”

In writing about the collection in the Matrix, Olive Cook comments,
"I know of no other presentation of a particular place and people which is a broad and as captivating as James Ravilious's photographs of North Devon. They are the fruit of a quite exceptional acuity and patience of witness and of a quite unusual humility and warmth of spirit. This great body of work establishes its author as a master of the art of photography whilst at the same time it makes an unparalleled pictorial contribution to social history."

The purchase of An English Eye: photographs by James Ravilious was made possible with the generous support of The Bridge Trust and the Friends of The Burton Art Gallery and Museum.

The exhibition was partially installed in July for Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall who visited The Burton as part of the gallery’s on-going 70th birthday celebrations.

 

Olive Bennett with her Red Devon cows. near Beaford, Devon, 1979. Photograph by James Ravilious copyright Beaford Arts digitally scanned from a Beaford Archive negative (All Rights Reserved)

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Exhibition: An English Eye: the photographs of James Ravilious runs until 30th December

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The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum,

Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

 >Website 

Tel No: 01237 471455 

Email: info@theburton.org