Artist Talk: Graham Murrell on 20 Years On

Fen Ditton Gallery is delighted to be hosting a new exhibition of photographs by former Head of Photography at Central St Martins, Graham Murrell, 20 YEARS ON.

It was twenty years ago that Graham Murrell completed his first major exhibition, Lights Spells, made and exhibited at Kettle’s Yard in collaboration with his Central St Martin’s colleague, Kathryn Faulkner. The two photographers visited Jim Ede’s former home now gallery over the course of 18 months to capture the ever-changing light and atmosphere of the space. The title of the exhibition and book was inspired by Jim Ede’s edict that you must “first furnish your house with light”.

Murrell comments “The project was made possible by the support and enthusiasm of the, then, Director of Kettles Yard, the late Michael Harrison. (It was this support) that lead to all the opportunities that have come my way over the past 20 years. All of which encouraged me to leave my post at Central St Martin’s and concentrate on making books and exhibitions.”

This is the first time a major exhibition of photographs spanning this period of Murrell’s career have been shown together. Fen Ditton Gallery have worked closely with Murrell to select the works and it was during these conversations that it become so apparent the influence that Michael Harrison had on Murrell’s career. It felt poignant to dedicate this exhibition to his memory.

This episode is a talk that was recorded during the opening night of the exhibition. 

You can view all works at fendittongallery.com/20-years-on