When we first announced this opportunity to hear master photographer Bryn Griffiths talk about his Chernobyl project, we had so many advance bookings it looked like being standing room only as we don’t have that many seats! On the night, the bad weather sadly resulted in a few that couldn’t make it but despite the howling winds and torrential rain storms, a good number of visitors turned out and without exception, all were glad they had done so.
The evening didn’t get off to the best of starts as Bryn was caught in delays from two incidents on the M6 as he battled his way through the weather from the midlands to be with us, calling in frequently to advise how far he had got. Our visitors waited patiently, enjoying wine and nibbles and the opportunity to see the exhibition as they waited.
It was well worth waiting for – Bryn is an animated character and he really made the images come alive with the stories he had to tell about his exploits in Chernobyl. His talk started with showing a few of the controlled studio-based images of cars and luxury items he is known for – all of which helped put the Chernobyl work into perspective as it is so outside of his normal comfort zone.
Many visitors stayed on to talk to Bryn more about his experience and and to hear about his planned return visit to capture some atmospheric winter scenes. Everyone said how much they enjoyed the talk and his images.
Our thanks to Bryn for such an entertaining talk and for taking the time to travel up to Preston to deliver it. Our thanks also to everyone who attended and for your patience in some difficult circumstances. Particular thanks to Chrissie and Del who travelled across the Pennines from Huddersfield to join us – they had been with Bryn in Chernobyl and gave some more depth to the evening.
If you have not yet seen the Chernobyl exhibition you’ll have to be quick….
Chernobyl – Bryn Griffiths