Stunning photography by retired Archant editor to go on show

SUMPTUOUS seascapes and magnificent monuments captured by a Romford photographer will be exhibited at the Queen’s Theatre in January.

Barry Kirk, retired editor of the Romford Recorder’s sister paper the Barking and Dagenham Post, will be showing his photography in the theatre foyer from Tuesday January 4 to Sunday January 30.

The display titled Imagination 2011 will include a collection of images of stunning natural scenery, breathtaking local beauty spots and well-loved historic sites including haunting photographs of Southend seafront, a beautiful old Noak Hill church, fungus growing in Bedford’s Park and a spectacular picture of Stonehenge.

Barry, who was also previously the deputy editor for the Romford Recorder, said: “I hope people will enjoy looking at my images as well as beyond them, and let their imaginations roam.”

Barry has enjoyed a long, varied career in photo-journalism for local and national press. Starting as a fashion, industrial and commercial photographer, he trained in London and during the Swinging Sixties, was based in trendy Liverpool. Sharing a building with Brian Epstein and the Beatles, he photographed many of the day’s famous pop groups.

After the excitement of his career, Barry is now devoting his time to what he has always longed to do – combining his professional skills with his love for nature.

Barry said: “I have spent decades taking photographs for others, but now it is my turn.

“Combining photography with my passion for the natural world has been fascinating and something that has produced interesting results. I find myself returning to the landscapes I have captured in search of something new, which I find very rewarding. Hopefully they will have the same effect on other people.”

Barry’s photographs are for sale and will be on display in the Queen’s Foyer Bar area downstairs in January during opening hours. Entry is free.