Lockdown Lauderdale exhibitions are an opportunity for local artists connected with Lauderdale House to share their work.
Here she has picked out some memorable moments and favourite images, including local demonstrations, unusual traditions, a smattering of celebrities and wonderful community moments to celebrate the Highgate Festival.
Join her at her virtual private view at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 June when she'll tell you the stories behind the images at a Youtube 'Live' premiere.
Chatting via Zoom to local actor, writer and director Tim McArthur, she'll let you into the secrets of getting the best action shot (DON'T tell people keep clear as you then become a magnet!), braving the weather and the joys of getting to know the local community . Pour yourself a glass of wine - or even a cup of tea – and imagine you're in the room with them
If you can’t make Thursday, then pop back to this page and we’ll share the recording with you afterwards.
In the meantime you can see the full collection on the online gallery to the left of this page.
If you'd like to order a print please email the Lauderdale House Director Katherine Ives on kives@lauderdale.org.uk.
A4 prints costs £25 and A3 cost £60.
Lauderdale House is a registered charity committed to preserving this unique 16th century House through sharing arts and education with people of all ages. We receive no government or council funding, and while the House is closed have no income. Therefore, Polly is kindly donating 50% of all sales to keep the House going.
Polly's Perspective
As well as having the rather grand title of Lauderdale House’s photographer in residence and all the connections I have here, I have been taking photographs for the Ham & High newspaper since 2001. In almost 20 years on the patch I have covered assignments that range from breaking news, to diary events, right through to the (very!) much less urgent.
Highgate always seems to have something going on, from vibrant community events, and charity initiatives, to hard fought, planning disputes, as well as those we remember and celebrate just for being gloriously silly.
Delving through my photo archive, in this time of isolation, I thought that I would pull out a few of my favourites to share, especially those photographs that might raise a smile.
At its heart, Highgate is a wonderful, sociable village, and this is evident in Lockdown through the Mutual Aid Groups. And hopefully when we come back together in person after this Lockdown, that atmosphere will return. You never know, we might even have a greater appreciation of what being together means. I know I will.
In the meantime here are a few reminders of just how brilliant, committed, spirited and bonkers Highgate, along with its twin town of Hampstead, have been over the past 19 years… and will be again.
Tim McArthur first discovered Lauderdale House many years ago when he appeared as a guest singer at a friend's concert. Living around the corner he quickly adopted the House as 'his' arts centre and, in return, Lauderdale adopted Tim who has contributed enormously to the development of our programme, created many comedy moments and brought much energy and fun.
His many guises here have included cabaret programmer, performer, playwright, Easter Egg competition judge and Halloween writer and Director. In this series of Lockdown live Private Views he just asks extremely good questions!
Find our more about this talented director, writer and performer on his website:
Tim says, 'Lauderdale House has been instrumental to my career at certain points throughout my professional life. Nurturing my development, especially as a cabaret performer and helping me with opportunities further a field in the world of entertainment. Eternally grateful.'
