David Whiting

Still River is an exhibition of analogue photographic works by members and friends of The Gate Darkroom, a community darkroom situated next to the Thames between Greenwich and Woolwich. Curated by Sarah Ainslie, the exhibition brings together a diverse range of responses to the theme of ‘River’ explored through film photography and alternative processes. 

Works are inspired by the river theme both as a presence in the landscape and as a concept, drawing on its transitory nature and the narratives it carries: beginnings and endings, transition and loss, environmental change and generational memory. 

The exhibition is the culmination of collective reflection that included a work in progress show at Thames-Side Studios in early May this year.  

Sarah Ainslie - Show Curator

Sarah Ainslie is a freelance photographer based in London’s East End since 1980’s, whose rich history of shifting populations, stories, protests and fights for justice has been a constant source of inspiration for her personal projects whether in the streets, markets, the worlds of women’s work and performance. She works with theatre companies whilst collaborating and facilitating community photography projects.

The Gate Darkroom

The Gate Darkroom is a not-for-profit community interest company that supports analogue and ‘alternative’ photographic exploration.  It operates a low-cost communal darkroom at Thames-Side Studios in Woolwich SE18. It is made up of a group of people from various walks of life trying to create a culture whereby sharing knowledge and resources can help us grow and better understand the world we are part of.