Prize awarded to Documentary Photography Open winner

The winner of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon's 2023 ‘Documentary Photography Open’ was awarded with £300 prize from competition sponsors Jamaica Press at a presentation on Wednesday, August 9.

Parracombe resident, Morgan Prosser, was presented with his prize by councillor Julie Hunt for his winning image 'Piano in Shapland building back over 100 years'. The theme of the competition was 'Our Town' and entrants were asked to submit images that demonstrate what that means to them, documenting the changing times of the area's towns and villages and celebrating the local way of life.

The competition was open to anyone aged 14 and over. Successful applicants featured in an exhibition, held between March and April this year in the temporary exhibition gallery, showcasing contemporary photography from across North Devon. The winning entry was decided by public vote.

Competition winner, Morgan Prosser, says: "I am very proud and excited to have won the ‘Documentary Photography Open’ award. It’s lovely to see urban exploration being viewed in a positive light and to share with people a world of local history.

"Throughout my journey, I have been honoured to visit many beautiful forgotten locations, but the former Shapland and Petter Factory, in Barnstaple, holds a special place in my heart. It was there that I captured my winning picture – an image of an old, abandoned piano, a once-loved musical instrument, now surrounded by the echoes of history. When the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon hosted this competition, I knew I had to share what I had seen!"

Museum Manager, Alison Mills, said: "This annual competition celebrates the tradition of documentary photography in North Devon. We want to give contemporary photographers valuable exposure, enhancing their practice and helping to document this beautiful part of the country."

Chairman of North Devon Council, Councillor Julie Hunt said: "This competition not only brings the talent of local photographers to the attention of museum visitors, but it is also a great way of documenting life in North Devon for future generations."

Runners up to the competition were Daniel Gorvett with his image of the Old Bridge in Barnstaple, Luke Larson for his aerial image of Barnstaple Fair, and Tim Sanders with his capture of Bideford Old Bridge.

Museum opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and entry is free.