W I D E apertures

Loving London

Yesterday my husband and I took a day off from life and went to London. I used to go to London all the time for shopping, exhibitions, and a general good day out. But full time work soon put a stop to that, and it was refreshing to have some leisure time again in one of my favourite cities. We started with the Natural History Museum (unfortunately we just missed the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition) and then went on to the V&A. There is currently a very good exhibition there, called Light from the Middle East: New Photography which I thought was extremely well exhibited and curated. A lot of the content was just stunning, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Of course we also went to see their permanent photographic collection. All of the big names are there, a thrill for someone like me! 

After a quick trip round the Science Museum, we headed to Regent Street for the Postgraduate Open Evening at Westminster University. I’ve been toying with the idea of applying for their MA course on museums, galleries and contemporary culture for weeks now, but I had no idea whether it was the right path for me or even if I’m a suitable applicant. After speaking to the staff, it was clear to me that this is EXACTLY what I want to be doing with my life next, the course sounds so exciting, so relevant, and so convenient (only 1 day a week for part time students). There is an emphasis on exhibiting photography which is of course perfect for me. I told the course leader what I’ve been doing since graduating and he was really impressed with the amount of experience I have, and said that if this had been an interview he’d be offering me a place. He wants me on the course and I absolutely want to be on it! 

I came away feeling like I was walking on air. Suddenly, the right path is before me. I can study in the amazing city that is London, and still work at the Fitzwilliam and volunteer at the MAA. 

I guess I best get started on my application!

Today I had a meeting at the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to discuss doing some volunteer work in their photographic archives. I’ll be there every Monday and can’t wait to get stuck in! 

I’m spending the afternoon scanning negatives from my mother and father in law’s wedding…I’m not sure why they don’t have the prints but it’s so much fun watching photographs from decades ago come to life on my screen. It’s also made me remember how much I love film photography. I’m not fortunate enough to have a medium format camera (yet!!) but maybe I should dig out my vintage 35mm canon…

Yesterday we finally received our photo book for all our wedding pictures…what a day it was, I can’t believe it’s been 6 months! It’s hard to believe the weather was so beautiful considering how cold and icy it is out there at the moment!  

I might have to take my camera out to play in the snow next time I get a day off.