Hill End Analogue Photography Festival
Where were you? You should make a note to put this beautiful festival into your diary in two years time and make an effort to go.
I had an absolute ball, meeting people, looking at art, going to workshops, making photographic art and being involved in our creative community.
I could rattle on for a long time about all the things I learnt, the people I met, the friends I made and the experience of teaching / exhibiting there.
One of the highlights was having my artists books being exhibited with Olive Cotton. Some of Olives work had never been seen previously. What an absolute privilege that was. I am still taken by this. I was previously exhibited with Max Dupain previously too, so now I have rounded off that little corner of my having my work shown with my hero’s. Mind you I hold Olives work way above Max’s, and find it much more emotionally sensitive and to my personal taste for fine art photography. I was also hung with Sally Mc Inerney (Olive Cotton’s daughter - her work is just gorgeous - whom I didn’t get to meet or listen to her talk, sigh, as my workshop was on at the same time), Bill Moseley,, Judith Nangala Crispin and Lisa Sharkey. When people and curators in particular place your work along side such important artists you know your work is appreciated.
I was also lucky enough to attend workshops by Judith Crispin and Peter Solness. Both simply lots of fun. I had so much pleasure talking to and listening to Judith talk, and luckily that was on numerous occasions. But the best was over a herbal cuppa tea, with Lisa at one of the houses there.
If there was one thing I wanted more of at the festival, it would be workshops and hands on events. The intentionally put some on at the same time so that one person couldn’t do them all. Some of us really want to do them all, and have an educational festival. For example I would have liked to try some more analogue / alternative processes, and spend more time playing with them. That us just what I would like to do.
The festival had so many small intimate exhibitions in various old buildings. The art was impeccably chosen and hung. The installation of the artworks was so sympathetic to the heritage buildings that Hill End is know for.
I wanted more time, and disappointed myself by leaving bang on the closing of the festival on Sunday. Actually, I had to pull over and sleep for a while so I could finish the drive home. I was exhausted. Yet, I felt I should have stayed to help pack it down.
There were so many unfinished conversations too. I hope they will be continued over time.
I had people corner me to talk about my work, my teaching and to ask advice and opinions. I left on such a high.
The bookmaking and zine making workshop went well too. Everyone who attended left with their own handmade artists book. I am inspired to run a one day workshop via the internet, and post you out all the materials so you can make some books and zines with me. I had better write that one up and let you know too.
We still have the master class on sale for the rest of this month. So only a few more weeks before we put the price back to what it was. So why not jump in now? I was wondering if people interested in it might be interested in a payment plan, rather than the full up front fee? Let us know if that is you. https://lenmetcalf.com/master-class
I will post some more photos in the next newsletter.
Photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
My artists books in the main room at the Hill End Art Gallery, with Olive Cotton’s work in the background.
Artist Book and zine making workshop at Hill End Public School, Sue Makin, my sister taught here occasionally over the years.
I think Momo is reincarnated from a dog in Hill End. Circa early 1900’s This photo is by Beaufoy Merlin, and is from Peter Solness’s Beaufoy Merlin performance tour, you can just make out Peter with his digital projector.
Oh, and what photographer can’t resist some closed doors at Hill End. Do you wonder what is behind them? I will open some closed doors soon.
