Bassetlaw Museum will be hosting a photography workshop and a talk on Jane Austen during July, with the current photography exhibition now extended into August.
Invisible Light – Lumen Photograms and Alternative Process Prints – An Alternative Photography Workshop with Alan Withington
Wednesday 16th July, 1.00pm to 4.00pm
This hands-on workshop introduces some of the techniques behind the images featured in the ‘Invisible Light’ exhibition. Participants will be guided through the process of creating beautiful Lumen Photograms using botanicals such as leaves and flowers on vintage darkroom photographic paper.
The session will explore various Lumen Photogram techniques. These ‘camera-less’ images use alternative photographic processes and each one produced is a unique artwork, borrowing from techniques developed at the dawn of photography in the 1840s.
All materials are provided and no prior experience is required. Attendees will receive step-by-step guidance from experienced tutor Alan Withington to create their own photographic artworks.
Admission is free. Donations to cover the cost of materials are welcome.
Places are limited. To book, visit Eventbrite or contact the museum on 01777 713749.
This workshop accompanies the ‘Invisible Light’ exhibition, on display until Saturday 31st August.
Reading Jane Austen in Regency Retford – a talk by Judith Hedley
Saturday 26th July, 2.00pm to 3.00pm
Born 250 years ago this December, Jane Austen’s novels were published during a period of growth and prosperity for Retford. This talk will explore which local citizens might have been reading Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion, and how they would have accessed these works without a public library such as the Denman.
By placing Austen’s life and work in a local historical context, the talk invites attendees to see her writing with fresh perspective. Prior knowledge of the novels is not required.
The talk is free, but booking is essential. Reserve a place via Eventbrite or contact Bassetlaw Museum on 01777 713749.
Invisible Light – Exhibition by Alan Withington
Saturday 26th April to Saturday 31st August
This striking exhibition showcases images created using ultraviolet (UV) light, which is invisible to the human eye. Each image is rich in hidden meaning and captures cherished places with emotional depth.
The techniques featured blend ancient photographic methods with digital elements, producing positive images without the use of darkroom chemicals. These include in-camera cyanotypes, in-camera lumens, lumen photograms and solargraphs.
Photographer Alan Withington, who has specialised in these methods for the past five years, presents work that requires exposure times ranging from 45 minutes to over four months. His thoughtful, time-intensive approach offers a deliberate counterpoint to the fast-paced modern world and questions the impact of AI on creativity.