Newpark, October 1994

These were taken in Newpark, October '94. Christopher Sealy had been kind and patient enough to show me how to process film and print in the lodge. He said to take a course in darkroom techniques, but I didn't bother, which hasn't done me any favours over the years. These photos would have been taken with the TY magazine in mind, and also for no clear reason except it seemed worth doing.

Not to romanticise, but my memory of Newpark is that there was encouragement to try out anything you thought worthwhile. I flinch, looking back, but they were good about allowing you make your own mistakes, whether student or teacher.

This was a few years before mobile phones, and it wasn't that commonplace to have a camera out about the school, though I think people had learnt that nothing unflattering would ever be used and you can tell by how open the students are. They'd be in their 30's now, maybe some with their own children entered for Newpark and due to arrive in the new buildings which have flattened those seen in the background to some shots.

One memory is of coming down the stairs in the Red Brick, chatting with Dearbhla Henry and Susan Brambell, and from the Sitting Room someone was teasing out the opening chords to Smashing Pumpkins 'Today'. They came clear and taut, then drums kicked in. There was always music about, if you stopped to listen in the distance, so this wasn't unusual, yet I thought at that moment, this is pure Newpark.

open.spotify.com/track/0u5aO1GYsIhAWCPuXdwnak?si=f985b478f6db4171

'Today is the greatest
day I've ever known,
Can't wait for tomorrow,
might not have that long.'

These were taken in Newpark, October '94. Christopher Sealy had been kind and patient enough to show me how to process film and print in the lodge. He said to take a course in darkroom techniques, but I didn't bother, which hasn't done me any favours over the years. These photos would have been taken with the TY magazine in mind, and also for no clear reason except it seemed worth doing.

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