“Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery displayed the ‘After the Coal Dust’ exhibition in its Community Gallery between February and April 2019.
The exhibition was enjoyed greatly by both visitors and staff members at the Museum and provoked much debate and reflection about the changes to life in the north of England since some of the big industries have closed down.
John and Bridget were a pleasure to work with, and the exhibition was beautifully presented as well as containing many striking and memorable images.”
Neil McGregor
Assistant Manager (Art, Exhibitions and Outreach) Heritage Doncaster
“Unapologetically honest, and in some cases tinged with humour, this collection of photographs document another important chapter in the story of Britain’s post-industrial heritage.”
Imogen Holmes-Roe
Assistant Manager (Art, Exhibitions and Outreach) Heritage Doncaster
“It’s unusual for us to approach exhibitors whose work we have seen elsewhere, sometimes because we’re too busy but also because we get so many artists approaching us and we are spoilt for choice. When we saw After the Coal Dust being exhibited in Castleford, we just knew we needed to host it here.
We were delighted with the results. John & Bridget’s photographs are exceptional, made all the more so because they are not staged. These are people and faces and situations we have all seen but don’t manage to capture: these photos manage that feat.
We have a regularly changing series of exhibitions here with up to 13 a year: this show really stood out and it’s had a great reception. We particularly enjoyed local people who featured in the pictures coming to see them, often for the first time.
We’d heartily recommend this exhibition to anyone and look forward to hosting John & Bridget sometime in the future.”
Graham Mynott
Executive Director
Hebden Bridge Community Association
“John is one of the finest street/candid photographers anywhere! His images are superb examples of social history of life in the North of England. He is photographer one will see a lot of in the coming years.”
Richard Tierney
“Almost every image shown got a big WOW effect from members, followed by intense applause, inspiring some in our group to pursue in the art of street photography. The whole session was fascinating to view and very inspirational throughout.”
Rais Hasan – LRPS LDPS
President Bradford Photographic Society
“Tremendously rich photography offering a kaleidoscope of dimensions.
Portraits especially seem to open up a lifetime of experiences.”
Marie France Asselbergh
“On Nov 16th, 2019 John provided the Yorkshire Photographic Union with an excellent lecture on contemporary street photography.
John is Castleford born, in his photography he captures people, characters and the richness of life in the old mining towns and villages of his native county.
He is much in the spirit of Jack Hulme but with a different style of approach to suit the digital era.
The images proved to be thought-provoking and stimulating for the audience and by using a completely monochrome format intriguing personalities were well illustrated.
We can strongly recommend John Gill for a lecture at your photography event.”
Stephen J Dean LRPS APAGB
Secretary, Yorkshire Photographic Union