PhotoGroup

 

The Chilterns photo archive

The PhotoGroup makes records of The Chilterns for archival purposes, to add to the collections donated in the past, and for general use by the Society.

Villages and towns of the Chilterns are of particular interest, but we also photograph special projects, such as chalk stream work and historic building research. These records are collated in a library, the greater part of which can be seen in the PhotoGroup's website.

There are nearly 5,000 captioned pictures on the website across more than 160 locations in the Chilterns. By recording the region's special character, qualities and amenities, including images of everyday scenes that are not usually photographed, they form a valuable pictorial archive for future generations. The website has been averaging around a thousand unique visitors each month. Most are from the UK, but many are from overseas.

Members' individual photographic projects, as well as images taken on the PhotoGroup's outdoor events, contribute to the individual locations that make up the Group's archive. As 2011 comes to a close, it is worth noting that eleven projects were completed to give a total of 384 published photos. They include a comprehensive project involving four sections of the Grand Union Canal, from Pitstone to Harefield, with five authors contributing 116 published photos.

 

Can you help the PhotoGroup?

The Group wants to find more old photographs taken in the Chilterns so they can extend the 'What has changed?' section of their website.

Whether you are a member of The Chiltern Society or not, please contact Barry Hunt, acting chairman, on 01494 713345 if you think you can help.

Any member of The Society may join the PhotoGroup and take new photographs for possible publication on the Group's website. This gives you the opportunity to photograph locally, or further afield, with expenses paid. The Group accepts prints, slides or digital photographs. Please contact Barry Hunt on 01494 713345 for more information.