See inside Guildhall Studio which has opened in former Guat's Up in Bury St Edmunds
A photographer hopes opening a studio will help promote his own pictures and those taken by other talented individuals.
John Martyn this week opened Guildhall Studio in the former premises of Guat’s Up in Bury St Edmunds. He has redecorated the coffee shop interior to create a bright and airy space to exhibit works by himself and others.
He said: “I have never done something like this before but it is something I have always wanted to achieve.
“I work part-time as a finance director. It has been an ambition to have an open studio and it would be great to sell some as well. I want to open it up to other photographers too.”
He continued: “Given the circumstances, it seems like the worst time to open a studio. But I then thought, ‘Why not do it now?’ It is made more difficult as there are lots of places closing in Bury, so I wanted to do something to bring back to the town.
“It is a change of direction but a good time to do something new.”
The 59-year-old does not claim to be a professional photographer but has a lifelong interest.
“I have always enjoyed taking photographs and understanding the people and landscapes that are around me to photograph.
“I like getting a sense of place, it has always been a passion.”
Mr Martyn, who lives in Whepstead, will be working at the studio himself alongside his wife. All photographs on the walls are for sale, as well as a collection of hand-made cards by local artist Francesca Wallace, of Fran Made Crafts.
Mr Martyn specialises in landscape and nature photographs and his work includes both colour and black and white photography. He says his passion is to capture the magic and beauty of the landscape and the natural world, both locally and from travelling around the world.
“Hopefully people will like them,” he added. “I am very excited. We have been ready to open since the beginning of November but have had to put it back because of the virus.
“We are a bit nervous, but lots of people have already looked through the window and given us encouraging signs. It feels great to be able to share this with people.”
The studio opens 10am-4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays. Covid-19 and social distancing restrictions will apply.
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