Spirit of Forest to be displayed

David Lloyd has been taking photos in the Forest for 25 years

Capturing "the true spirit" of an ever-changing Forest of Dean is the intent of a photographer from English Bicknor.

David Lloyd is holding an exhibition to take people on an intimate journey through a period of Forest history where much of the subject matter has since either been modernised or vanished.

Taken over 25 years and portraying everyday people working hard and playing hard, the style of David's photographs mean that they have often been mistaken for paintings.

"When I first started exploring the area I just found it incredibly attractive, distinct, unique and I wanted to capture that," said David.

"I wanted to try and get underneath the identity of the place and the people, to come away with an image that has got some integrity."

His portraits of working freeminers, peg makers and farmers contrast with local community events in village halls, dances, bands, choirs and Morris Men.

David's artistic photos have often been mistaken for paintings

"I wanted to try and capture a moment that would remain timeless," said David.

"Some of the images, I feel, could have been taken anytime within the last 50 years because that lifestyle hasn't changed. I wanted to try and interpret that."

His passion for Forest photography began in 1985 when at the time he was lecturing at Gloucester University.

He then moved to the area with his wife and four children in 1986 when his mother ran one of the first art and crafts galleries in Coleford.

The Spirit of the Forest exhibition takes place at the George Cafe and Gallery in Newnham-on-Severn from Friday, 13 November to Saturday, 9 January, 2009.