Since mid-2023, award-winning photographer Andy Pilsbury has been visiting Penpont to photograph the people and the land for We Feed The UK. He has become part of the family, going above and beyond in his efforts to explore the life of our project and those who have made it possible, from the Davies Family of Tirmawr Farm to the barn owl who roosts in a hollow ash in Penpont’s ancient wood pasture.
This show was shown first at Penpont in June, here we present a selection of Andy’s work from this rich period of artistic exploration. His luminous photographs reveal a dynamic, working landscape full of diversity and contrast. Knotty, sweat-slicked muscles braced for sheep shearing day are juxtaposed with the quiet, dextrous work of pruning apple trees in Penpont’s historic orchards. Portraits of elders who have known Penpont for more than half a century sit alongside the bright faces of Penpont Youth Leadership Group members whose connection with the land, though already transformative, is just beginning.
Food production, nature restoration and the power of intergenerational working - Penpont’s recipe for positive change - are constant themes in Andy’s photographs, which are suffused with an inner light that conveys a hope measured in actions, not in words.
“Working on the WFTUK project has been truly rewarding. In a time of ecological crisis and constant bad news, I discovered a real sense of solace at Penpont. Witnessing the entire community come together to restore the land has instilled in me a newfound sense of hope. I'm optimistic our efforts can spark important discussions about how and why we must involve young people in restoring our damaged landscape at every opportunity.” - Andy Pilsbury
