Ultraviolet vision: A new perspective through lens

EXPERIMENTAL photography isn't a thing of the nineteenth century - it's alive and well and some ground-breaking photos will be visible to Retford residents next week.

- BY TED O'NEILL

Visitors to the Bassetlaw Museum in Grove Street will see images created using ultraviolet light.

Each photograph carries a hidden meaning, much like the unseen light that produced it and taken somewhere significant. The images capture well-loved places and according to the artist they evoke deep feelings.

The two techniques used are called Lumen Photography - effectively using old fashioned dark-room photographic paper, but inside a camera, and Lumen Photograms which are made by placing leaves or flowers against photographic paper under a light source - in this case the sun. Alan Withington, a photographer who has embraced these techniques over the past five years, presents images that require long exposure times, ranging from 45 minutes to more than four months.

According to Alan, a 'fair chunk of alchemy' is involved. He says his work is a response to the fast-paced modern world and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to creative authenticity, emphasizing the value of 'real' photography crafted with patience and care.