CULTURE
Cornelly and Greeba
MANX NATIONAL HERITAGE ARCHIVIST WENDY THIRKETTLE INTRODUCES A NEW EXHIBITION AT THE MANX MUSEUM
W
indswept landscapes, the eyes of people staring assuredly into a camera, glimpses of the fabric of hearth and home. These and much more besides may be observed in the Isle of Man photography of Chris Killip. In 1970 this Manxman set out to photograph the Island. Travelling to many varied places over the course of three years he captured buildings, interiors, natural features and people of all ages at work and rest. Selected images from the resulting work were published in 1980 in Isle of Man. A book about the Manx. Now, visitors to the Manx Museum, Douglas have the rare opportunity to view large prints provided by Chris Killip himself. Manx National Heritage is proud to host Chris Killip’s Isle of Man Revisited in the temporary gallery between 7 May and 30 July 2016. Fifty stunning Killip images have been chosen for display out of a total of 252 large prints held by the MNH Library and Archives. Some have never been seen in public before while others appear in the 2015 book Isle of Man Revisited. They all benefit from viewing in a gallery space where they are left to speak for themselves or through the reflections of the photographer himself.
26
The exhibition will trace the early years and influences of this remarkable photographer who was born in the Highlander Inn, Marown in 1946. His Manx work came after gaining over five years’ experience working among professional photographers in 1960s London. Many of the images are set on farms. Killip had no specific plan but in his own words followed one thing after another. He used family connections, contacts with people he knew from childhood and initiative. Often I would see someone somewhere, maybe at a farm sale or at the mart and I would be looking at a face and say who is that over there, where do they farm and I would just turn up. Knocking on the door of a stranger somewhere in the countryside he would be quizzed on his family connections before usually being given permission to photograph. Killip’s images have a certain style and character so it is interesting to learn that it was the practicalities of using a plate camera on a slow shutter speed that led to use of particular locations. Chris needed to take people somewhere quiet where they could prop themselves up to hold still for the time needed. “A doorway is good because often they were whitewashed and the light would reflect back”. He continues,
“When you are using a plate camera it is a very formal process. Although people are resting, for me the process is formal, so people had a chance to address the camera. They would prepare themselves without me saying anything.” Whilst not directing proceedings he did use the occasional trick such as putting his hands in his pockets, an action copied by the men. The Island, as seen through Killip’s camera lens, makes a lasting impression. What he saw and what he chose to photograph has the ongoing power to startle and unsettle as well as to mesmerise and delight. Killip himself recognises the different relationships people can have to his work. It makes him “very happy that the work is in the Isle of Man because that is where it well and truly belongs. It is more open to all sorts of other meanings which it couldn’t have in other places because it doesn’t belong.” Exhibition dates: 7 May – 30 July 2016, Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas AN AFTERNOON WITH CHRIS KILLIP - MANX MUSEUM, SATURDAY 7 MAY @ 2PM Chris Killip will provide insights into his career and will sign purchased copies of his book Isle of Man Revisited from 3pm.Tickets: £10 Adult, £5 Student available from the Manx Museum Gallery Shop & www.manxnationalheritage.im 10% discount to Members.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE