Artists in Bitton

In Bitton, on the edge of South Gloucestershire and needing only a sudden fright to nudge us into Somerset, there are artists. Some do it with paint, some with clay. This one used film.

The previous artist was Jane Bisby.

A family member in Bitton remembers

Charles Rayner was a well-known amateur photographer from the 1930s to the 1970s and a member of the Bristol Photographic Society for many years. He took part in portfolio competitions and the usual club activities.

Initially, his interests were in family and landscape photography. When regulations were eased after the war he bought a small converted lifeboat which was kept on the river Avon, near Keynsham. It was not long before he outgrew the river and we ventured into the Bristol Channel. The boat was moored at Sea Mills - and we were 'boating', not yachting!

At this time, boating became his main interest; painting, varnishing, working on the engine, and so on. However, before long he was back to photography but this time he was taking marine subjects, particularly boats under sail. He became very good at finding the right angle to get the best shot, not always easy when boats are under sail. However, he was pleased to have some of his photos printed in the yachting magazines and even a few as cover pictures.

Inevitably before long we changed from a motorboat to a sailing cruiser - much nicer and much quieter. Summers were spent cruising from the home port of Pill, near Avonmouth, 'downalong' to Portishead, Barry, Porlock Weir, Ilfracombe, Lundy Island and Saundersfoot in South Wales.