THE first exhibition in a new programme by the Darlington Media Group is on show in the Blanche Pease building at Darlington Arts Centre.
Appleby Fair by Dave Thomas is a collection of black and white photographs taken from 1969-70 of the annual horse fair for settled and nomadic cultures.
Dating back to 1685, when James II granted the right to hold it there, Appleby fair is the oldest and most important gathering of travellers in England. Every June, travellers from across the UK converge on Fair Hill to celebrate their history, music and folklore; but most importantly to trade and barter in livestock.
The collection of photographs came to light in 1998 when film maker Naomi Vera-Sanso used them for a documentary she was making about travelling people. The 200 photographs have since been exhibited at the Side Gallery and the Theatre Royal, both in Newcastle.
Originally from Glasgow, Mr Thomas settled in Darlington in 1993, and although he trained as a painter, he has been a photographer since 1963.
The exhibition runs until Saturday, May 28, and can be viewed on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10am-5pm, and Thursday and Fridays, from 1pm-9pm. For exhibition information about Darlington Media Group, ring Paul Dillon on 01325 488139.
Above, one of the pictures in the exhibition.
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