Vanishing Shore

Marcus Haydock

A photographic interpretation of the North Kent marine landscape and communities

 Private View 21 November 18.00-21.00

18th November- 16th December 2006

Tuesdays- Saturdays 14.00-17.00

Vanishing Shore is an initiative of The Faversham Society in partnership with North Kent Local Authorities Arts Partnership - NKLAAP - Swale, Medway, Gravesham and Dartford.  This major photographic commission has been developed in response to the rapid changes brought about by the Thames Gateway Development which stretches from Dartford to Teynham.  While this process is exciting and presents new opportunities for the area's residents, it is important to capture the essence of place which currently exists.  One constant element of North Kent is its relationship to the water; rivers, estuaries, creeks, peninsulas and islands.  Vanishing Shore celebrates the historical and contemporary connections which North Kent has to the water.  The Faversham Society has commissioned Vanishing Shore to ensure this ever-changing yet timeless landscape is recognised and valued as an important part of North Kent's cultural heritage.

Following a national call for artists, Marcus Haydock, an artist based in Hove, was selected.  Since May 2006 he has researched and photographed the landscape and communities of North Kent; capturing images of the people, the natural and built environments.  Marcus Haydock has set out to reflect the spirit of the landscape through a series of images which are thought provoking; exploring the environment and the people that use it.  His own practice blends the genres of landscape, still life and portrait to create a sense of place through everyday scenes and objects that are emotionally engaging.

Vanishing Shore captures a moment in time from the artist's perspective to become an archival record of North Kent in 2006.

During 2006 Vanishing Shore will be presented at The Fleur de Lis Gallery, Faversham from 13 July - 31 August; The Peter Blake Gallery, Dartford Library from 11 September - 13 October; Eastgate House, Rochester from 21 October - 12 November; Castle Gallery, Queenborough from 18 November - 16 December and The Civic Centre, Gravesend during January/February 2007.

Vanishing Shore is supported by NKLAAP, Arts Council England, South East, The Faversham Society and The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation.