The Portraits of a Landscape team, Pete Johnstone, Janet Owen and Nathan Holt.
Past Futures is a heritage grant programme funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help community organizations on the Isle of Wight capture and curate local history, with a focus on stories that are often overlooked.
Past Futures is facilitated by Creative Island and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.
Dr Janet Owen, Director of the Earth Museum based in Yarmouth said 'West Wight's landscape is special and steeped in history. Our 'Past Futures' project will draw on the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and celebrate the people who have shaped the landscape both today and in the past through images sound, capturing people's everyday stories before they are lost forever".
Making up the team are team are Pete Johnstone Chartered Environmentalist and photographer specialising in West Wight and sound artist Nathan Holt MA who specialises in sound, space and sensory perception.
A glimpse of some of the some of the places and activities we have been photographing.
Portraits of a Landscape will present 20 portraits of individuals who have contributed to the shaping of West Wight and our island Biosphere Reserve. In addition to showcasing portraits alongside personal narratives, Nathan will be recording audio to create a soundscape reflecting both the people and activities captured in the photographs.
The project will also involve collaboration with local primary schools to encourage their engagement, as well as a series of community events throughout West Wight. The initiative will conclude with a four-month exhibition at Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater Bay, commencing September 2026.
New elements of our Portraits of a Landscape emerging
