Ipswich Christchurch Mansion John Ferguson exhibition

'An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson’ has officially opened at Christchurch Mansion in the town, celebrating themes of portraiture, identity and home.

John Ferguson is an internationally established documentary, lifestyle, and portrait photographer who is originally from North London but now lives in Ipswich.

John Ferguson, whose exhibition has launched in Ipswich (Image: John Ferguson)

Mr Ferguson's career spans back to the 1990s when he became the UK’s first black staff photographer on a national newspaper under the editorship of Piers Morgan.

This is the first exhibition in Suffolk to explore the photography from multi-award-winner Mr Ferguson's esteemed career, with highlights including his work as a senior photographer for a leading national newspaper. 

It will also feature Ipswich's newly acquired Black Suffolk photographic portraits, funded by The Art Fund and The Friends of the Ipswich Museums.

Pink in Paris by John Ferguson (Image: John Ferguson)

This comprises of 20 portraits that explore the concept of home for a diversity of people from the African-Caribbean community who were born in the county or who have made Suffolk their home.

As well as this, the exhibition covers Mr Ferguson's time working with big names including Oasis, The Spice Girls and David Bowie, and looks at his favourite personal photo projects, from the Forgotten African American Cowboys to street photography, Ipswich Banger Racers, and his work with the Albino and Blind Associations.

Funded by Arts Council England through Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service’s National Portfolio Organisation funding, the exhibition has also been sponsored by Kersey's Solicitors.

An image from The Forgotten Cowboys series (Image: John Ferguson)

John Ferguson said: "To have my work displayed in my newly adopted home of Ipswich is a tremendous honour for me.

"If I can inspire just one person to pick up a camera and explore their world, then this would bring a massive smile to my face."

Boys on their way to the mosque in Baghdad, taken by John Ferguson (Image: John Ferguson)

Of a private opening night on July 5, which was attended by around 100 people, Mr Ferguson said: "It was fantastic. We had good reviews and feedback. I felt very proud and privileged and humbled. It was a great evening."

He continued: "I want everyone people to see how photography can open people's minds to how it is used - it is not like Instagram where people just flick through images without second thought. 

"This is a chance to look at proper photojournalism and photographic storytelling." 

'An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson' will be on display at Christchurch Mansion's Wolsey Art Gallery from Saturday 29 June 2024 to Saturday 27 April 2025. 

For more on John Ferguson, visit https://www.johnfergusonphoto.com/