Last winter, the Paget Rooms hosted Shwmae Penarth, a documentary photography project created by thirteen students from the University of South Wales.

Over three months, the second-year students from USW’s internationally respected Documentary Photography BA (Hons) immersed themselves in the town’s neighbourhoods, groups and hidden corners. What emerged was a thoughtful portrait of Penarth at a moment in time – its heritage, diversity and the everyday interactions. We thought it was an exhibition not to be missed, so we are proud to share a selection of that work within the pages of Penarth View.

“Documentary photography is a powerful tool to celebrate and champion communities,” said 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 featured work by Archie Berstein, Cassie Davies, Chris Lord, Connor Laing, Eleanor Hopkins, Jack Gent, John Nartin, Natalie Scurlock, Noam Carklin, Owen Bullock, River Wells, Sonu Sethi and Will Foley – each bringing their own perspective to place and people.

At a time when AI-generated imagery is reshaping the creative industries, projects like Shwmae Penarth stand firmly for authenticity. Documentary photography demands patience, curiosity and, above all, trust. It requires the photographer to slow down, to observe, and to honour life as it unfolds.

Supported by Penarth Town Council, the original exhibition was a celebration of identity and belonging. These images remind us that our town is shaped not just by landmarks, but by the people who animate its streets.

As you turn the page, you may recognise a familiar face or a favourite place. This is the quiet power of documentary photography: it helps us see what has been there all along. And perhaps, in doing so, it invites us to look at Penarth a little more closely.