Thornbury Camera Club hits 50

Thornbury Camera Club is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and, to mark the occasion, has teamed up with the museum to stage an exhibition highlighting photographic developments of the last 50 years and beyond.

The exhibition is in two parts:

First of all, “Thornbury Camera Club – The first 50 years” displays equipment lent by members and friends of Thornbury Camera Club and these items will bring back many memories – and provoke a few questions. For example, do you know what a “Vest Pocket” camera is and why it was advertised as “The Soldier’s Camera”?

The Museum’s own contribution to the account of local photography tells the stories of Thornbury’s professional photographers, from the Victorian “flash, bang, wallop” era to WW2. As the song goes: “There’s always been a photographer to record the ‘appy scene!” Discover what these professional photographers thought was worth photographing in their own day.  The photograph above was taken in 1910 – it looks like a Grand Day Out!

From glass plate negatives to digital images, photography has come a long way. Take the opportunity to find out more and visit this new exhibition.

Our volunteer-run museum is open from 1 pm to 4 pm, Tuesday to Friday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Admission to the new exhibition and the whole museum is free and there are activities available for young children (e.g. find the knitted mice and choose one to take home!)