UNDER the title ‘Two old boilers and a camera’ a fine exhibition of photos opened in the Blanchminster Room at the Bude Heritage Centre last Sunday afternoon June 19, and showcases the work of two local photographers, writes Christine Williams.

The ‘old boilers’ are Ida Swearingen, an American expat who has lived in Cornwall for 10 years and Julia Hobday, a Licentiate Member of the Royal Photographic Society, who claims she came from London to Bude for a party in 1985 and is still there.

Ida Swearingen specialises in street photography, catching an image on the spur of the moment, both in black and white and in colour.

Among her 14 memorable photos are ‘Exeter St Davids 6.30am’, ‘Grannie Cottage’ taken in New Zealand and ‘Holiday Makers’, taken in the gardens of Lanhydrock House, for which she waited patiently for five minutes.

She also loves taking pictures of Cornwall’s ancient monuments such as Trethev Quoit and there are photos of Minions and Millook. She uses a Nikon D700 and a SonyAR7 but insists that it is not the camera that matters but the eye.

Julia Hobday’s 20 photographs were taken with her Canon EOS1Ds during her travels over the past 18 months.

From a trip to Cuba are two photos of Cuban musicians and from a trip to Scotland dramatic landscapes entitled ‘Old Man of Storr’ and ‘Skye’.

Examples of her portrait work are ‘Out for the Count’, showing a Cuban child fast asleep and a photograph of a pensive harpist as well as images from a special project on photographing Burlesque Dancers.

The exhibition can be enjoyed each day from 10am till 5pm until July 14, and entry is free.

Across the landing in the Willoughby Room until July 7, is an exhibition of paintings in acrylic and gouache by Janice Myers and Jo Pryor.