BRANDSBY photographer John Illingworth travels widely to capture his imagery but is greatly inspired by the Yorkshire landscape too.
As can be seen in his exhibition in the Dutch House café at Mill Green Farm, Crayke, near York, John also has an affinity with architecture, doors, windows and other manufactured shapes, which he films using a range of techniques.
Since he was given a Kodak Instamatic camera at the age of 11, photography has always been John's passion. However, it was not until 2001 that he had the opportunity to give photography his undivided attention after moving to the South of France. “It was here that I met a recently retired professional photographer who I was greatly influenced by and who inspired my work and photographic practice,” he says.
A wintry scene, photographed by John Illingworth
On account of the nature of John's work, he has drawn inspiration from landscape photographers, especially Julian Calverley and in particular his creative manipulation of images, often in extremely stormy weather.
In 2008, John re-located to the North Yorkshire village of Brandsby, where he remains. “I find it impossible to live and work in this beautiful part of the country without being influenced by it, and yet I’m beginning to make images that show details and shapes within the landscape, rather than trying to capture the wide vistas that appear to anyone who walks around this county,” he says.
His latest photographic trip took him to Iceland in October 2016, prompting a new series of landscape photographs that can be seen for the first time at Dutch House.
Alongside John's work in the café, Kunsthuis Gallery across the courtyard is presenting the work of 26 ceramicists from home and abroad who push the boundaries of their creative practice. The exhibition "celebrates their belief that ceramics can engage, inspire and invite the contemplation of the process of design".
One of John Illingworth's photographs on show in the Dutch House café
Artists such as Katie Braida, Sylvia Holmes, Carolyn Marr, Gail Altschuler, Clare Wakefield, Clare Crouchman and Joan & Jack Hardie, to name a few, challenge the versatility of clay as a creative, functional and sculptural medium, "exploring the properties of a material that is both universal and sustainable, while also exploring the dialogues of form and surface".
For those who love walking, a circular pathway runs through Dutch House and into the fields and woodland areas, while lengthier walks can be enjoyed in close proximity to the farm site. The leaflet for the circular walk is available for download at dutchhouseyorkshire.com
John Illingworth's photographic exhibition runs in the Dutch House café, Mill Green Farm, Crayke, until December 24. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
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