It Used to be So Different Here

20 November - 24 December 2027

A socially-engaged photography project in collaboration with Historic England, Encompass and Brave Spaces, facilitated by Amanda McCormack.

Janette Rosing (1942-2021) was a renowned photographic consultant, connoisseur and collector, who dedicated her life to studying and amassing a collection of 19th and early 20th century photographs depicting England’s past. The collection began with an image of Hartland Quay, and includes many more recognisable places from North Devon.

This exhibition is put together by a group of women who have used the Janette Rosing Collection as inspiration for their own photographs. Guided by artist Amanda McCormack, the group have learnt how to look more deeply at the landscapes around them, using photography as a way of recording their local area. Their photographs take a close up view of Bideford and the surrounding area, focusing on textures, architectural details, and the human impact on the landscape.

Image Credit: Photograph from the Janette Rosing Collection

The women have been supported by Encompass and Brave Spaces.

The Archives Revealed programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Archives.