5 March – 17 May 2026
A Roof and a Sky
Free entry
The Burton at Bideford launches a new exhibition, in partnership with The Pickwell Foundation.
‘A Roof and A Sky’ is an exhibition of work made by five refugees, under the guidance of socially-engaged photographer Jamie Dormer-Durling. The participants have attended 10 workshops at The Burton, where they have learned various image making skills, including alternative processes such as creating lumen prints alongside learning how to use digital cameras.
The project has allowed the group to share their story with images, where words are sometimes difficult when there is a language barrier. The photographs in the exhibition are a peek into their domestic lives and the new landscapes they find themselves. The group said the project “has helped us notice small details and to grow more confident in expressing ourselves.”
The title of the exhibition, ‘A Roof and A Sky’, reflects what the group hope for in their lives. A roof to give them safety, protection and the security of a sanctuary, and the sky which represents freedom and hope – the space to grow.
‘A Roof and A Sky’ is part of The Burton at Bideford’s social practice work which develops collaborative and participatory projects with our community. It was facilitated by Jamie Dormer-Durling, from Weston-super-Mare, and run in partnership with The Pickwell Foundation. The project was funded by The Foyle Foundation.
About The Pickwell Foundation:
The Pickwell Foundation supports both people and planet, empowering communities to welcome resettled families, supporting those seeking asylum, and championing climate action.
The Foundation works both locally in Northern Devon and nationally in providing casework and signposting support to refugee communities through several governmental humanitarian schemes. It also facilitates conversations around sustainability and climate advocacy by promoting campaigns and resources created by partners and friends of the Foundation that champion positive policy and legislative change.
Jamie Dormer-Durling
Jamie Dormer-Durling is a socially engaged photographer based in Weston-super-Mare. He is a founder/director of Common Waves CIC, a community arts organisation supporting underrepresented people to build creative confidence and share stories, based at The Common Room, a community art space that he co-founded. He is also the creative director of Photo Weston, a photography festival bringing international artists to the region, and a board member and regular collaborator with IC Visual Lab.
