Thousands of photographs chronicling Berwick-upon-Tweed and the surrounding area over six decades have been whittled down to a choice selection for a new exhibition in the Granary Gallery.
The Archive of Smith, Berwick, tells the story of a family run press agency and photo studio from its establishment in 1951 to its closure in 2012. It places this remarkable record of the town and surrounding area in the context of the broader developments in photography.
Curated by Cameron Roberston, the exhibition features over 50 images including motor racing driver, Jim Clark, Berwick’s MP, Lord Lambton, and the Queen’s visit to Berwick in 1956, as well as a display of photography equipment and photo negatives.
The exhibition was opened on Friday night by Northumberland County Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Anthony Murray and it was attended by around 150 people. Cllr Murray said: “This exhibition is a fascinating insight into the history of Berwick and surrounding areas.”
The exhibition has been coordinated by Berwick Visual Arts and Berwick Record Office, which purchased the collection in 2012. It is supported by Allan Brothers, Berwick Preservation Trust, Freemen of Berwick, Friends of Berwick & District Museum and Archives, Greaves West & Ayre and the University of Cumbria.
Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism at Northumberland County Council, said: “This exhibition is an excellent example of creative use of the archives and records.”
The exhibition is in the Granary Gallery, Berwick YHA, Dewar’s Lane, Berwick until Sunday May 13 and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
The Record Office and Visual Arts are encouraging schools to visit the exhibition, and should contact Linda Bankier on berwickarchives@