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EPS
1961
Open Exhibition
The
99th Open Exhibition was held at St Cuthbert’s Hall, King
Stables Road, from 18 August 1961 until 9 September 1961.
All
8,750 catalogues were sold out by the beginning of the third week of the
exhibition. An extra 2,250 were printed, of which the last 50 had to be loaned out
on the final day.
The
EPS Open Exhibitions made a surplus each year during the 1960s. The
1961 Exhibition made a surplus of £222:16s 5d.
Judges’
comments:
The
judges commented on the type of work submitted by photographers in Britain,
the Orient and the Continent:
"It
is a distressing fact that the standard of British work, with the exception
of that from a few of our best workers, falls short of that submitted from
the Orient.
This could be only partially explained b
the more favourable photographic conditions obtaining there.
The balance of the explanation would seem to be
a lack of real endeavour and enthusiasm on the part of our own
workers; a disinclination to get up in the morning in time to catch the best
photographic light and a marked disinclination to spend hours working in the
dark room at night.
The
oriental is a much more dedicated worker and possesses that application to
the subject which results in the outstanding print, sooner or later.
Maybe in time he too will succumb to the blandishments of TV, or
golf, or motoring; but so far his prints show a fullness of artistic
expression and a grasp of appropriate technique denied to all but a few
British photographers.
Much
of the continental work submitted struck a somber note accentuating the
squalid conditions of home and town.
Miserable people in desolate back-yards may be typical of life in
some parts of the world, but do they when portrayed make an invigorating and
stimulating exhibition?
The panel thinks not, and although some of such studies are shown the
emphasis has been put on the brighter side with the simpler beauties given
more rein.
Such, we feel, will inspire and impress." |