Pictures of Sheffield: the exhibition

Hedley Bishop started the group with a handful of members in 2007

A social networking group which started off as a small handful of Sheffield enthusiasts has grown into something much bigger, and now they are looking to find funding for a photography exhibition in Castle Market.

The group 'Pictures of Sheffield Old and New' shares pictures and memories of Sheffield and there are over 3000 in their online collection. It was started on Facebook by Hedley Bishop who was keen to see Sheffield as it used to be, and now the fanbase runs into thousands.

Facebook: Pictures of Sheffield Old and New

"It is important for young people to see how their city was in past years," says 40-year-old Hedley who grew up in Woodseats.

"I encourage members to share pictures of Sheffield as it is now, too. The city has changed a great deal in the last decade and I believe the photos we take now will be of interest to future generations."

Hedley started the group on Facebook in 2007, with just a handful of photos of Sheffield and its surroundings. Two years later the group has 1500 members, 3000 photographs, and is still growing with members as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

"The group grew surprisingly fast," says Hedley. "It was good to find that others shared my passion."

Castle Market in Sheffield, pictured in 2008

Castle Market exhibition

Pictures of Sheffield Old and New has been so successful in capturing the imagination of its members that Hedley, with the help of fellow Facebook group member Jim Lambert, decided to display some of the photos in a public exhibition.

"David Parker of Sheffield City Council showed great interest in our project and offered us Castle Market's art display area," says Hedley. "I have fond memories of Castle Market so I'm pleased that it's the venue for our display."

The group are now looking for funding to print and frame the 300 photos which will be on display. They have applied to numerous funding bodies but have been unsuccessful, and are now hoping a local business or other organisation can help out with the costs, which they think may be around £500.

Hedley is looking for financial support from local businesses to help him complete the exhibition. For more information, contact [e-mail]

The group are also considering selling the prints at the public exhibition, or perhaps to a collector who would want the whole lot.

"Many of the photos are from people's personal photo albums - it's a unique collection of pictures of Sheffield," says Hedley.

"If I have to put up the money myself and approach local businesses for sponsorship it would be worth it as this is a great project which has captured the imagination of a lot of members of the group, and I don't want to let them down."

Park Hill's I Love U Will U Marry Me bridge is among the collection

The six-week exhibition will start on 24th January 2010, showing around 150 photographs at a time from the group. Some photos will be from accomplished artists and photographers; others will be amateur photos from members of the group.

The opening event will also include a performance by Sheffield musician Charlie Barker, and jewellery made from Sheffield cutlery will also be on sale.

Hedley has approached Sheffield Archives about displaying some of their old images from Picture Sheffield, including an old map of the city. The Pictures of Sheffield group plan to donate their collection to Sheffield Archives to be added to the Picture Sheffield database.

Hedley also intends to display his grandfather's long service certificate from 50 years at Sheffield steel firm Firth Brown, together with one of his grandfather's poems.

The Castle Market exhibition is not the only event that Hedley has put on for group members; they have also been invited to a city centre ghost tour, a walk around the general cemetery, a fundraising party, and several social nights in the pub.

The public exhibition for Pictures of Sheffield Old and New will run in the display area of Castle Market for six weeks from 24th January 2010.

Hedley is looking for financial support from local businesses to help him complete the exhibition. For more information, contact [e-mail]

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