Dudley photographers give exhibition final shot

But Dudley Camera Club is embarking on what could be its final exhibition, with the future of the town's museum and art gallery uncertain amid council cuts.

Around 180 prints will be on display alongside 123 projected images.

The images were selected from more than 300 entries by the clubs 45 members.

The council announced plans to close the museum in October last year as part of their drastic savings proposals to save £20 million over the next three years.

Cuts also included reducing the opening hours of libraries across the borough with jobs set to be lost.

A online petition was launched by campaigners at the end of last year, with more than 700 signatures received in a matter of days.

One of the highlights of this latest display is a scene of ironmongers at the Black Country Living Museum by Gary Jones, entitled Irons in the Fire.

And club member Michael Edwards also took a striking close-up image of a train driver on the Severn Valley Railway having a break between journeys.

Eric Broadbent, who has been a member of the club since 1969, said: "The judges picked the best to be hung in the gallery.

"Judges Gary Jackson and Graham Walton, who are part of the Photographic Alliance Society, work with camera clubs across the country and were very impressed with the level of our work.

"All our pictures show a range of subjects that are incredibly interesting. They are taken by amateur members yet show excellent dedication."

A presentation evening will take place at the gallery on February 15, where members will be awarded in four different categories – ranging from portrait, picture, record and natural history.

However, Mr Broadbent spoke of his disappointment in the proposed closure of the museum, saying that the group may not have anywhere else to display its pictures in the future.

"It is ridiculous that this could be the last time we are at the building," he said.

"It plays a vital part in the town yet the council's proposed closure of it may leave us with no where else to exhibit.

"We don't know what we would do or where we would go.

"If the council wanted to convert the site into anything then they would have a hard job as it is a listed building.

"Surely there should be other ways of saving money inside of closing something as important as this.

"I feel that the potential closure of our exhibiting space is farcical."

A special image of Oldbury chemical plant Albright and Wilson taken in the 1970s by Mr Broadbent will also be on display during the exhibition.

He explained: "It was taken in 1974 and shows a different side of the building from the canal.

"It has never been seen before and people have commented to say it was one of the best pictures in the exhibition.

"Anyone from that area at the time will no doubt remember what it looked like."

Mr Broadbent's passion for photography has also led him to lecturing about the subject across the country.

He said: "I have been a member of the Camera Club for many years and photography is my passion.

"I still very much enjoy speaking about photographs and taking them as well as looking at old archive photography."

The club aim to encourage amateur photographers at all levels and ages to obtain greater pleasure from their hobby in the company of fellow enthusiasts.

They formed in 1944 and held their first exhibition the following year.

The group's meetings would also be held in the art gallery during this time, before increased membership numbers led them onto larger premises in Castle Street.

They now hold digital workshops and tutorials, practical portrait sessions, competitions and group outings.

The exhibition will run at the Priory Road site until March 5.

Catalogues of the featured images are also available to be purchased from the museum for £1.