The Beaford Archive One of the largest rural photographic archives in Europe, the collection comprises some 20,000 images, dating from the mid nineteenth century. The Beaford Photographic Archive situated in Barnstaple Library, is part of a national scheme of picture libraries. The photographs in the Old Archive reflect the changing nature of rural life in North Devon over the past 150 years. The New Archive contains photographs by James Ravilious, who has dedicated 20 years of his life’s work to the collection. The Old Archive The images in the Old Archive date from the mid nineteenth century through to the 1950’s and show a now vanished rural culture. They include: farm and field work, domestic and commercial life, education and recreation, as well as portraits and costume detail. The Beaford Archive supplies copies of old photographs of North Devon to schools, publishers, historians, genealogists, day centres for the elderly, theatre groups, local authorities, and for use in film and television. The collection of over 9000 images is open to the public, but please telephone first to make an appointment to ensure that staff are available.

The New Archive The James Ravilious Archive gives a detailed picture of contemporary life: landscapes, church fetes, village celebrations, market days and a stream of fascinating local characters. James Ravilious has photographed life in North Devon for the past twenty five years creating an evocative record of a changing way of life. His recent book, A Corner of England, has received outstanding reviews and is now in its second edition. Exhibitions For Hire The Beaford Photographic Archive has a number of exhibitions available for hire. These can be accompanied by a lively talk from the Curator. Prints Prints from the old archive are available to order - individually or as resource packs for schools, colleges, libraries, museums or local communities. A selection of postcards and framed prints is available from the Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington. The Archive albums can be seen in the North Devon Record Office at the following times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am-5.00pm. Wednesday, Saturday 9.30-4.00pm. An appointment should be made for a more detailed study of the collection. The Beaford Archive, North Devon Record Office, Barnstaple Library, Tuly Street, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1EJ England Contact Lis Taynton Telephone 01271 388607 barchive@globalnet.co.uk Visit the Beaford Arts Centre Home Page Copyright (c) The Photographers Centre 1999 The Photographers Centre, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS Tel: 01392 432617