Shetland Museum unveils ‘Seen Furt’ in new photographic exhibition inspired by Shetland’s outdoors
Shetland Museum and Archives is delighted to announce the opening of an inspiring new exhibition, Seen Furt, a photographic exhibition in the Gadderie space, launching this Saturday. Curated by the Islesburgh Photographic Club, the exhibition is a collection of images celebrating Shetland’s landscapes, diverse wildlife and striking natural colours.
Accompanying Seen Furt is Past and Present, an engaging display in Da Briggiestanes area of the museum. The exhibition pairs archival images from the museum’s collection with contemporary recreations, offering an intriguing glimpse into Shetland’s evolving scenery.
Stuart Hubbard of Islesburgh Photographic Club explained: “Seen Furt (furt meaning outside the house; out of doors) is a tribute to Shetland’s beauty, as seen through the eyes of 12 passionate members of our club. As a group of enthusiastic amateur photographers, we meet monthly at Islesburgh Community Centre to share knowledge, mount exhibitions, enter competitions, and enjoy photo walks throughout Shetland. This exhibition is the culmination of our shared interest for photography and a love of Shetland.”
Comprising 42 framed images, Seen Furt is the result of many patient hours spent waiting for the perfect shot. From the play of light on Shetland’s dramatic, layered landscape to the mesmerising sight of gannets soaring above an RNLI boat, or stark industrial images which capture a moment in Shetland’s history, such as ‘Remains of Ninian Northern oil platform’ at Dales Voe.
In Past and Present visitors will see 11 archival photographs from the Shetland Museum’s collection, carefully recreated by club members as the scenes look today, displayed side-by-side. It’s a playful and thoughtful homage to Shetland photographers of yesteryear including JD Rattar, J Leisk and C Williamson.
Adding a further historical dimension to the exhibition, a vintage camera display presents a fascinating timeline of photographic technology from 1903 to 1998. The cameras are on loan from Chris Smith Photography and illustrate 95 years of analogue photography highlighting the development of camera construction from cardboard and wood to metal and plastic.
Photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to handle several cameras, including a Box Brownie camera from 1930 and a Kodak Duaflex from 1947. There will also be books and materials to browse and a pinhole photography handout available from The Royal Institution. Additionally, a series of workshops with Chris Smith will offer hands-on experiences with pinhole photography and cyanotype, inviting young people and adults to explore different photographic techniques.
Karen Clubb, exhibitions officer at Shetland Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are excited to see Islesburgh Photographic Club return to the Gadderie space. It’s encouraging to see a group of amateur photographers pull together this contemporary exhibition of their latest work - with Shetland outdoors at its core. The club’s evolution over the years, adapting and experimenting with digital advancements is remarkable. Working together with Chris Smith Photography and the inclusion of his amazing private collection of vintage cameras, brings an additional, hands-on dimension. We’re looking forward to sharing our workshop plans for Easter shortly.”
Framed photographs and prints will be available for sale as well as range of merchandise. The exhibition will be on display until Sunday 27th April.
