Thames: Dark River, Still Shining

Thames: Dark River, Still Shining is a photography project documenting people and communities living along the course of the River Thames, examining their connections to the river and surrounding landscape. The resulting photographs will form a touring exhibition stopping at eight locations along the river from Oxford to Walton-on-Thames and moving on to London where the images will be exhibited at MPA Gallery, in conjunction with The Thames Festival.

The images offer a small glimpse of how the river is inextricably linked to the communities who inhabit the surrounding area. Physically, emotionally and spiritually the river weaves its way through southern England carrying with it the collective history of a nation. Rich in culture and heritage the river has been the scene of many a spectacle from Royal traditions to industrial innovations. Yet it remains a wholly communal river, an inspiration to artists and musicians, a river of leisure, of sport and a place people call home. These images are a meditation on a collective connection to the Thames and they reflect the diversity of community and tradition found along the route of the river.