The Warwick Study
During 2009 - 2010 I undertook a photographic study of the majority of shops and businesses in Warwick, the people who work in the shops and businesses, the interior and exterior of the buildings of those shops and businesses. An exhibition of this photographic study was held at the Warwick Arms Hotel and proved a very popular event.
The study, supported by the Warwickshire Records Office and the Warwick Society, will be handed to the Warwickshire Records Office and be held in perpetuity for the residents of Warwick.
The exhibition was re-held at the Warwickshire Record Office in July 2010. Rowan Fisher, Learning and Outreach Officer at the County Records Office commented:
On January 2011, I spent an entire Saturday photographing willing members of the public who volunteered to be part of the Warwick Study. 170 people came forward to be photographed and interviewed and I promise to send each and every one of you a copy of your photograph as soon as I can.
"Liz Drake's "Photographic Portrait of Warwick" was a vibrant, colourful portrayal of the people who live and work in Warwick and attracted a lot of Record Office visitors and people of Warwick to it while it was exhibited at the Record Office in July 2010. It also leaves a legacy of historical value in that it provides a unique documentary of 'Warwick at work' in 2009 - 2010; a snapshot into the types of businesses and people that 'make Warwick tick'. I can imagine that in years to come this exhibition will still be of interest to the people of Warwick for its value as a piece of local history. (Interestingly, a few of the businesses shown in the photographs had actually ceased to trade by the time the exhibition was displayed only a few months later). It provides a welcome element of 'human interest' and could be viewed alongside other documents of this period such as trade directories, business records and census returns to show the trading history of Warwick.
As the Learning and Outreach Officer at the County Record Office, I can certainly see myself using photos from the Liz Drake Collection to make comparisons with photographs depicting, for example, Victorian trade in Warwick, and using it in sessions on local history with Schools, Community Groups, etc."
As the Learning and Outreach Officer at the County Record Office, I can certainly see myself using photos from the Liz Drake Collection to make comparisons with photographs depicting, for example, Victorian trade in Warwick, and using it in sessions on local history with Schools, Community Groups, etc."
Exhibited at:
- Warwickshire County Record Office www.warwickshire.gov.uk/countyrecordoffice
- Compton Verney Art Galley www.comptonverney.org.uk
- Warwick Arms Hotel, Warwick www.warwickarmshotel.com
"Fascinating record for the future inhabitants of Warwick".
Susan Clark
"Wonderful record of past/present Warwick".
Carolyn and Martin Jones
A most enjoyable exhibition, much appreciated".
Carole Hancock and Pat Low
"A lesson in photographic portraiture. Excellent exhibition".
John Turner
"This exhibition shows an inspirational photographer at work and displays the ethos of some of the spirit of Warwick"
Peggy Bennet, Mayor of Warwick
"The portraits really do capture the personalities of the people portrayed"
Peter and Olive Kerr
"What a fantastic collection of photographs that capture Warwick in all it's glory. You are very talented Liz!".
Liz Holroyde
Susan Clark
"Wonderful record of past/present Warwick".
Carolyn and Martin Jones
A most enjoyable exhibition, much appreciated".
Carole Hancock and Pat Low
"A lesson in photographic portraiture. Excellent exhibition".
John Turner
"This exhibition shows an inspirational photographer at work and displays the ethos of some of the spirit of Warwick"
Peggy Bennet, Mayor of Warwick
"The portraits really do capture the personalities of the people portrayed"
Peter and Olive Kerr
"What a fantastic collection of photographs that capture Warwick in all it's glory. You are very talented Liz!".
Liz Holroyde
Liz Drake Photography: 35 Beauchamp Road, Warwick, CV34 5NU | Email: info@lizdrakephotography.co.uk | Phone: +44 (0) 1926 419630 | Mobile: +44 (0) 77860 24787