2006

Exactly halfway between Bath and Bristol lies the ancient South Gloucestershire village of Bitton, where the Romans forded the River Boyd and Jane Seymour's brother lived. And all around there are artists; some painters, some photographers - and a sculptor or two might well be lurking.

This page displays the work of one of these artists. It was displayed until March 31st, 2006, when the work of another was similarly featured. The previous artist was Cynthia Lear.

Al Deane

In Swineford, just outside Bitton, you can see one of the last-remaining "Tin Tabernacles" of the 1800s.

Harrods were among the suppliers of these temporary buildings. Corrugated-iron roof and walls, wood-plank flooring with doors and windows ready to be screwed into place. And a small entrance lobby if you wanted one. And a bell hanging in a very small bell tower. The buildings were supplied as a result of the tremendous increase in churchgoing at the time of the revival in the days of the Wesleys. A congregation could be housed in a wind- and waterproof building while the real thing was being built alongside.

In the Swineford tabernacle Al Deane, an enterprising and well-travelled young professional photographer, has built an elegant art gallery. His artistic talents have transformed the space into one of light and attractiveness - and practical usefulness; as well as the art gallery he has provided two fully-equipped photographic darkrooms for photographers to hire.

If you're ever passing through, do visit it. But, in the meantime, here is a taster of Al Deane's photography.