Norwich church photographic winners announced

JON WELCH
08 December 2009 13:00

Julia Cameron's photo of St Peter Hungate church, which won the Restoration and Conservation category in the Norwich medieval churches photography competition oragnised by Norwich HEART

The winners have been chosen in a competition designed to celebrate Norwich's medieval churches and showcase local photography talent.

The overall winner of the competition, organised by Norwich Heart (Heritage and Economic Regeneration Trust) is Julia Cameron with her image of St Stephen's Church entitled “Inside / outside reflections”, which won the art and architecture category.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be the winner of the competition and enormously surprised. I was made redundant at the end of August and feel that the competition has provided an opportunity for personal regeneration - from redundancy to photography.

“I found the categories to be challenging but also very interesting and absorbing. I took well over 300 photographs of St Stephen's alone. The reflections in the door of St Stephen's really were a gift - having the right light, the trees in perfect form and colour and realising the effect of the interior merging with the exterior - was a real wow moment. I consider myself to have been very, very lucky.”

Norwich has 32 standing medieval churches, more than any city north of the Alps, and they still play a central role in city life. The competition explored themes relating to their past and present use and the place they have in today's society.

Organisers received 157 entries, choosing the best in eight categories as well as the overall winner.

Winning and shortlisted entries will go on display at a public exhibition in The Forum from February 22 to March 5 which will be supported by a programme of content at The Forum's digital gallery Fusion from March 1 to 13.. Some of the photographs may also be included in a forthcoming book on the city's medieval churches that Heart is publishing next year.

Julia Cameron's photo of St Peter Mancroft Church, which won the Worship and Contemplation category in the Norwich medieval churches photography competition oragnised by Norwich HEART.

The judging panel comprised Ricky-Joe Burrage, a contemporary Norwich-based photographer, Andrew Johnson, art director at East Publishing and Michael Loveday, chief executive at Norwich Heart.

Christina Lister, communications manager at Norwich Heart, said: “The judges were very impressed with the standard of entries, which showed creative, inspiring and thought-provoking approaches to the categories.

“They really captured both the magnificent architecture and historical legacy of the churches as well as their vibrant role in today's society. We hope the upcoming exhibition will act as a good showcase for both the photographs and for the churches.”

The winners

History and tradition

St Peter Mancroft

Julia Cameron

“This image really stands out. It is a confident way to shoot a portrait and a strong image that was beautifully executed. A contemporary approach was taken to the subject matter, focusing on the way that prolific members of the community were commemorated with monuments and tombs.”

People and community

St Giles'

David Sherwood

“Quite a subtle interpretation of the category theme. There are many elements in this picture, highlighting the fact that a lot goes on in churches. It shows a welcoming place, with the door open to visitors. The children's area and the memorials on the wall symbolise the cycle of life and the fact that people use churches throughout their lifetimes.”

Inspiration and learning

St Stephen's

Sheena McIntyre-Warnock

“This is a personal response to the category theme, highlighting the powerful and emotive qualities that the amazing church art has on people, and how it inspires them. Instead of being illustrative, the image is trying to heighten the gaze and intensity of the face by the way it has been shot, gazing down on the congregation.”

Restoration and conservation

St Peter Hungate

Julia Cameron

“First and foremost this is a strong and intriguing image, visually exciting and interesting but also tender. There is an economy of what the photographer is saying. It shows a historical way of working with lead but in a new way.”

Worship and contemplation

St Peter Mancroft

Julia Cameron

“This photograph is meditative and a personal reflection on the subject. It depicts an allegory for life and death, showing a path from darkness into light. The light flooding through is welcoming and closes off the rest of the church to your personal space, as if nothing else matters. The glossiness of floor is seductive.”

Art and architecture and overall winner

St Stephen's

Julia Cameron

“Simply a beautiful photograph. The light spills onto the arches, highlighting the detail in the stonework which is framed by the reflection of the trees. The tone and warmth of the autumn leaves is seductive against the architecture of the church. The photographer has created a piece of art.”

Innovation and change

St Margaret's Church

Gary Rayner

“This image is looking to the future. It captures a change of use of space in a positive and forward-thinking way, showing how the church has been turned into a light, airy gallery.”

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