St Neots: Through the Lens, a Photography exhibition at St Neots Museum
St Neots Museum is celebrating 200 years since the earliest forms of permanent photographs with an exhibition showcasing photos from the museum’s collection.
On display are photographic portraits of known and unknown people taken over the last two centuries, a range of historic cameras, and a few photographs taken by local studios. An example of an early form of photography, known as a Daguerreotype, said to feature George Bower, a local Victorian industrialist can also be seen in the exhibition.
The museum is excited to have the opportunity to display the Haynes Collection, 6 photo albums containing photographs collected or taken by Arthur Haynes between 1930 and 1980. The photos are an impressive collection which provide a unique view of the town’s expansion and social changes throughout the 20th century. Although Haynes did not have his own professional studio in the town, he did often take photos for people from St Neots out of his own home.
The museum’s staff and volunteers have been busy over the last few months scanning photographs which have been printed by Kodak Express St Neots to create a wonderful display of the people and sights in St Neots.
Collections Officer Holly Adamson said, ‘The exhibition has provided a fantastic opportunity to get some of our photography collection out of storage and showcase some never-before-seen photographs’.
The exhibition ‘St Neots: Through the Lens’ is on at St Neots Museum until the 4th July 2026.
Photographs from the Museum’s Collection:
1995.1.4.42 – Haynes Collection – St Neots Regatta 1950
2000.393.1 – Mrs Emily Adaline Sweeting of Paxton Park, c. 1900.
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n with the EAARO we’re excited to announce our upcoming exhibition:
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“As an Italian software engineer residing in the United Kingdom for the past five years, Francesco has developed a profound appreciation for both his adopted country and the vibrant city he calls home (St Neots). Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered a newfound passion for art, using it as a means to convey emotions and capture the essence of those new places and experiences through a vibrant array of colors. For Francesco, art is not merely a personal expression, but a medium through which he can bring joy and vibrancy to others’ lives, infusing spaces with warmth and colour.
Outside of his artistic endeavours, he finds relaxation and inspiration in traveling, literature, and culinary pursuits. Whether exploring new destinations, delving into the pages of a captivating book, or experimenting with flavours in the kitchen, he approaches each endeavour with a zest for life and an openness to new experiences.”
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Pride in St Neots is a local LGBTQ+ charity, run by a group of volunteers who are passionate about the equality and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in St Neots and the surrounding areas. Our vision is a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are free to live and love without fear or prejudice.
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