Workshop at Proud Galleries on Poetry and Photography

In September 2023, poet and activist Jacqueline Saphra was joined by visual artist J. D. Haigh to discuss the interrelations between poetry and photography. Around 20 people attended the workshop, and the backdrop was Proud Galleries Charing Cross (London), which is full of iconic photography of, and by, musicians and artists. Jane (J. D.) and Jacqueline focused on the idea of the icon, and used Jacqueline's collection on photographer Lee Miller, A Bargain With the Light, as a background to the discussion.

Although the event had been advertised as one for people who were nervous about poetry, only one or two who attended were truly nervous. Jacqueline said: "I'd say there were perhaps two people who were not used to poetry and came to it from a new angle/ The rest were all either poets or actually quite comfortable. The immediate feedback was very positive. They all enjoyed the evening, especially as there was no 'agenda' and nothing they had to achieve. Just a good and open conversation about the nature of icons and about poetry. The conundrum is how to get people who are nervous of poetry to come to a poetry event!"

Image

Proud Galleries, Charing Cross