A visit to BALTIC in Gateshead
By Tracey Ainsley
A small group of us came together for our visit to BALTIC in Gateshead. Although we knew each other through various overlapping groups, including RPS Women in Photography, the RPS Documentary Group and Whickham Photographic Club, everyone fitted together perfectly.
Our first stop was the brilliant Tish Murtha exhibition, which offered a powerful insight into poverty, youth unemployment and life in Newcastle during the 1970s and 1980s. Her photographs documented the hardships faced by local communities, including the march from the Scotswood works, where job losses would have a devastating impact on the area.
The exhibition prompted some interesting discussions, particularly between Louise and me, as we both had personal connections to the places and communities Tish photographed.
I was born in Elswick and lived there until I was six. When the houses were demolished, we were relocated to Newbiggin Hall, a brand-new estate. For us, this meant having an indoor toilet and a proper bathroom! No more bathing in a tin bath in front of the coal fire. Many other families from the area were relocated there too.
In the exhibition, Tish talked about the Youth Opportunities Programme (YOP), which placed young people in jobs involving hard physical labour, including gardening and building work. I wonder how many of those young people went on to build careers from those opportunities. I don't know, but I did.
My placement was in the Polytechnic library, which gave me the experience to secure a job at Newcastle University Library. They subsequently funded my degree to become a qualified librarian. I went on to work at Sunderland and Northumbria universities, retiring recently after more than 40 years in the profession.
Louise also had family connections to the area. Her grandmother and mother lived there before being relocated to Newbiggin Hall, and her family went on to secure good jobs.
It was interesting to reflect on how our own experiences differed from those captured in Tish's photographs. Looking at the same period through different eyes can reveal very different stories.
Afterwards, we stopped for a cuppa and a chat, and our conversation turned to confidence and imposter syndrome.
I mentioned another major exhibition at BALTIC, the BALTIC Open Submission, which takes place every two years and includes photography alongside more traditional art forms. I suggested that seeing the exhibition might give us the confidence to submit our own work next time.
And it worked! By the time we came out, we'd all pledged to have a go at entering the next one.
We also enjoyed the final multimedia exhibition, browsed the fantastic shop and came away having thoroughly enjoyed the exhibitions, the conversations and, most importantly, the opportunity to spend time together.
We're all looking forward to meeting up again!
Would you like to organise a WIP meet-up in your area?
Inspired by our North East members? We'd love to see more local get-togethers across the country! Whether it's a visit to a photography exhibition, a photowalk or simply meeting for coffee and a chat, it's a wonderful way to connect with other women photographers, share ideas and make new friends.
If you'd like to organise a meet-up in your area, please get in touch! We'd be delighted to help bring local members together and promote your event.
Not yet a member of RPS Women in Photography?
Why not join us? We're a friendly, welcoming and supportive community of women photographers, from beginners to professionals. As a member, you'll have opportunities to share your work, take part in photography challenges and competitions, attend talks and events, contribute to our award-winning WE ARE Magazine, and connect with like-minded photographers.
Membership costs just £10 a year, in addition to your Royal Photographic Society membership.
Find out more about Women in Photography
To suggest a local meet-up or find out more, email wipchair@rps.org.