The Paget Rooms will host a unique celebration of Penarth life this December, as thirteen students from the University of South Wales bring their latest documentary photography project to town.
For one night only — Thursday, 18 December, from 5pm to 9pm — the Paget Rooms will become a window into Penarth’s people, places and everyday moments. The second-year students, all studying on USW’s internationally recognised Documentary Photography BA (Hons), have spent the last three months immersing themselves in the town’s neighbourhoods, groups and hidden corners. The result is Shwmae Penarth, an exhibition capturing the resilience, warmth and woven-together stories that make Penarth one of Wales’ most desirable and close-knit communities.
“Documentary photography is a powerful tool to celebrate and champion communities,” says David Barnes, international filmmaker and course leader at USW. “These students have shown an extraordinary ability to connect with people and bring their stories to life.”
The exhibition showcases work by Archie Bernstein, Cassie Davies, Chris Lord, Connor Laing, Eleanor Hopkins, Jack Gent, John Martin, Natalie Scurlock, Noam Carklin, Owen Bullock, River Wells, Sonu Sethi and Will Foley. Together, they’ve created a heartfelt portrait of Penarth at this moment in time — its heritage, its diversity, and the everyday interactions that bind people together.
At a time when AI-generated imagery is causing concern across the creative industries, Shwmae Penarth stands firmly for authenticity. The exhibition highlights the real craft of documentary photography — the patience, curiosity and trust required to capture life as it truly unfolds.
The late David Hurn, legendary Magnum photographer and founder of the USW course, expressed this philosophy best: “Life as it unfolds in front of the camera is full of so much complexity, wonder and surprise that I find it unnecessary to create new realities.”
The event is proudly supported by Penarth Town Council, who have donated the use of the Paget Rooms for the evening — recognising both the cultural value of the exhibition and the contribution it makes to celebrating Penarth’s identity.
Karin Bareman, formerly of Foam Gallery Amsterdam and Autograph London, believes the exhibition marks the beginning of strong creative futures for the group: “The students’ work will show the importance of documentary photography to local communities… I am certain that you have the opportunity to see the birth of many a career.”
And with USW’s distinguished alumni — including Guy Martin, Anastasia Taylor-Lind, Simon Norfolk, Paul Lowe and Ivor Prickett — there’s no doubt these students are following in impressive footsteps.
Join the celebration
Penarth residents, local businesses, and arts lovers are all invited to attend. The event includes a chance to meet the photographers, view selected works, and hear more about how the project was developed.
For one evening, Penarth will see itself through the eyes of those who have walked its streets with fresh perspective and open curiosity.
