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Up to its usual excellence! - Roger
Longdin, Bucks
I have been familiar with the value of a
computer as a business tool, but to see it now as a creative tool is very exciting. Thanks
for opening yet another door! - MH East Anglia
Big thanks to Duckspool for its
contribution in bringing it all to fruition. - Portrait photographer, Martin
Figura at launch of his photography book in August 1998, title "One Man’s
Army" (Attended various Duckspool workshops 1997, including Dewi Lewis on Book
Publishing which led to the book and touring exhibition)
The workshop (electronic photography) the
first I’ve been on, to be able to focus completely on the one subject, in the company
of a like-minded group without the day to day interruptions and pressures of running a
business, was for me a very enjoyable experience.
Directly as a result of this workshop I have decided to take more time in producing images
for my own satisfaction in addition to the commercial work, so wish me luck as I have
never considered myself in an artistic manner. - Brian Hardy Berkshire Photographer
The workshop (fine printing) was certainly
the proverbial kick up the backside I desperately needed to get me restarted printing and
answered the questions which had been puzzling me. I had lost the plot. I shall certainly
extol the virtues of Duckspool - BM Southampton Fine Printing 1998
It has taken at least five years from when
I was first tempted to get to Duckspool but I will be back again rather sooner! - RE
Newcastle upon Tyne
Thank you for a very enjoyable and
productive weekend with Eamonn McCabe. I’m going to see him at The Guardian later
this week, he very kindly offered to help me edit and perhaps find a market for my work. -
KK Japan
The workshop with Charles Harbutt was
challenging and exceptionally illuminating. Technique was discussed, but as a means of
evolving a more individual approach than an end in itself.
People with autistic spectrum disorders tend to see the world in a very literal way, and
have great difficulty in grasping the idea of a metaphor. As a result of this workshop, I
have been able to make significant steps towards a less literal approach to photography,
which will help me extend my practice into new areas. - Jake W Dorset - who
was sponsored by the National Autism Charity and Southern Arts, expects to exhibit fine
prints of Dartmoor in the near future.
You really should treat yourself to
"the Duckspool Experience". It was BRILLIANT. I came away with a renewed
enthusiasm for those projects that I had left untouched for far too long. Whatever your
own photographic interest, I’m pretty sure you will find a workshop that is related
to it. P.S. Don’t forget to tell them that ARTHUR sent you!! - Arthur Krick,
Proprietor Hove Camera Company and the Gallery Below, Hove, Sussex. Extract from his
review of the David Hurn Magnum workshop at Duckspool, pubd in Broadsheet.
Photographers at Duckspool, the thinking
photographers spiritual home. - Piers Rawson: photographer and critic
Duckspool facilities are better than Photo
Workshops back in the USA, and you can quote me. - Paul Caponigro.
Guiding us through this multi-award winning
web-site Zone-Zero is its editor, Mexican photographer Pedro Meyer. It was my pure good
fortune that you brought Pedro Meyer to hold a masterclass at a time when I particularly
needed an input of that kind - a time of abandoning preconceptions yet wondering whether
some of the avenues were perhaps blind alleys. . . . . I’ve certainly gained clarity,
and confidence, as well as great enjoyment, from encountering Pedro as author/creator of a
fascinating mode of working. And it was an unanticipated pleasure to meet John Blakemore
(the photographer who leads a Duckspool masterclass , but this time attending as a
participant, such is the standing of Pedro Meyer in electronic photography) - Piers
Rawson, photographer and writer. Pedro Meyer digital imaging workshop 1998.
Great to be back in Duckspool after ten
years! - Ann Creavin, Dublin and Belgium on Mari Mahr Workshop 1998
I am still awestruck. The five days I spent
at Duckspool has probably been the most important event for me in the last seven years and
I feel I can finally move on to develop something new. - Julie Coimbra on the John
Blakemore Workshop 1998
My enjoyment of the weekend will only be
matched by the thrill of reading about it in "Significant Events in 20thC
Photography" (Pub. AD 2035) - MMcK Brian Griffin Workshop 1991
Great atmosphere, where one can chat, eat
and drink photography to one’s heart’s content. Long may you run such an
inspirational sanctuary for the world of photographers! My only regret is not having
attended one of your courses before now. (1997) - CK Dublin
What a wonderful experience! I know a good
thing when I see it, I’ll be back! - GB Sussex 1997 (4 times so far!)
Everything was brilliant - atmosphere,
hospitality, food (gorgeous), the countryside, your home a special place, and everything
we did on the course. It was honestly one of the best weeks of my life. - ML London
I now feel full of desire to go out and
make new photographs knowing that I shall view the world in a different way: all as a
result of Paul’s refreshing and enthusiastic approach. I had felt for some while that
I had had a go at most things in photography, but was lacking direction and ideas. Paul
guided me back. It was a privilege to have worked with him. He is a great photographer,
and a born teacher. - KH Devon Paul Hill Workshop 1997
Good on every side - lovely environment for
getting away from it all and being able to give some serious (and not-so-serious)
attention to picture-making, delicious food, delicious books (!) and what a good group of
people. This is beginning to sound like one big eulogy - well so be it. I thought Steve
Pyke was excellent - his openness and involvement comes right through and I greatly
appreciated his generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience. - Sarah B,
London
‘the experience will stay with us.
Excellent informal tuition and facilities combined with that never to be forgotten superb
food. Also what an interesting bunch of characters to be with! - RR Surrey
Electronic Photography Workshop 1997
Many thanks for a fascinating weekend - it
took a week on Exmoor to recover! - EC Bath Book Publishing Dewi Lewis 1997
Your sessions are something very special
and I hope you go from strength to strength. Thanks to your encouragement ... the Burton
Gallery, Bideford ... are showing my work. - Mary Beresford - Williams, John
Goto Workshop 1997. (Mary has since gone on to have further exhibitions and book
published)
Martin Parr workshop was a great experience
for me. Food was really excellent and there was a good spirit in the group. - Jan
Verhaeghe, Belgium
Craft and technique are covered by the
expert tutors but the important aspect is living and working with fellow and leading
photographers all interested in maximising their understanding and therefore their ability
within the sphere of photography that interests them... there is probably no finer place
to be exposed to the meanderings of some of the finest exponents of photography, but one
can expect to see pointers towards finding your own ‘style’, that elusive gem
that so many of us seek, and which ironically exists within ourselves, germinated perhaps
- but not sold directly - at Duckspool. - Jem Kime, editor Leica News, on a
John Blakemore workshop
Special thanks to Martin (Parr), Peter,
Sue, Louise and Matthew (assistants), I raise a glass of exhausted Bromophen to you all! -
DB Kent
I just want to let you know how important
these workshops are to me ( and I’m sure others feel the same). As for myself,
they’ve been the main catalyst for propelling my work forward in new directions and
keep me going for the following year. You and Sue are providing a fantastic service! - Suzanne
Greenslade, Professional Photographer and Exhibitor, Cardiff
You may not fully realise the effect of
your even-handed hospitality? You may already be tired of compliments about the food, the
company, the courses? So to give you back some of that pleasure I enclose some photos of
the weekend. - RJ Gloucs
I felt the beginning of another cycle, one
characterized by a much greater degree of confidence in my work than I have had up to now,
… to understand and see photography in a completely different way. …’ we
attend workshops to be challenged, not to be coddled, and I have not been disappointed. - Larry
Miller, Canada Fay Godwin Workshop 1995
I am so glad to have found your oasis of
photographic expertise, good food, Peter’s passion, Sue’s quiet influences in
all areas. - JS Somerset
I had high expectations, and even they were
surpassed. Just felt compelled to re-iterate how fabulous Martin Parr was, his and your
valuable advice, the Duckspool setting, and your convivial hospitality. - Mike Penman,
Surrey on Martin Parr Workshop 1994
The wondrous Duckspool ambience works its
magic to everyone’s advantage- EL
As Peter warns in his brochure, "
… do not expect to be spoonfed. Bring your cameras and all your faculties". To
which I would add, and, if you’re serious about photography be careful, it may change
your life! ...received encouragement and support enabling me to obtain my ARPS. - Irene
Samuel, London Peter Goldfield and other workshops 1994
It is fair to say that more questions were
raised than answered which is surely indicative of the quality of the weekend. I feel very
deeply about my photography, it is more than just a "hobby" - I hate that word.
It is important to me that photographers of your calibre should view my work
dispassionately but with great insight. You were quite right ….I should now attempt
to find my own voice …. Some dormant talent may emerge! - BB, Newcastle upon Tyne
Peter Goldfield Workshop 1994
An especially big thank-you to those who
kept cheerful in the kitchen whilst they catered to my food fad. My only complaint is that
the new trousers no longer fit! - RA Hong Kong
I have come home with a new pair of eyes.
It was a real privilege to listen to John (Blakemore) talking about his work and to see
all his pictures - I am just stunned with admiration. It was good to be on a workshop
where all the participants brought such a great body of work. Thank you for making it all
so comfortable with your lovely home and barn studio and lovingly prepared food - I took
it all and appreciated it. - JE 1992 John Blakemore Workshop
At last I can see the details in the
highlights! - Miranda Hart 1995
Thank you for your kindness. It was a
pleasure to stay with you. - Natasha Dubrovina, Perm, Russia 1995
You’re a generous host, Peter, thanks
for creating this place of learning. - A.R. 1995
Very, very useful - learnt more about
computer imaging in 4 days than in the last 4 years. Great food too! - MW, 1996
Electronic Imaging Workshop
Great to be back - John’s given me a
kickstart - back to the darkroom - no grainy skies. - DG 1996 on John Davies Fine
Printing workshop
A superb weekend. Great Food. Stimulating
conversation. Long live computer photography. I’m a convert! - Andi Whiting 1995
College weekend
Just like being sellotaped to the mast and
forcibly slapped with the haddock of revelation! I feel I am setting out anew on the path
of life with a fresh meat pie in me pocket. - Matt Brooker, Sheffield on Leonard Freed,
Magnum workshop 1996!
Totally glorious, inspiring course and
environment. I am a different woman. Thank you for it all. - Charlotte Macpherson,
Brighton. Leonard Freed Workshop 1996
&
A completely different weekend and equally valuable. It is such a great place to explore
photography. -Charlotte Macpherson, Brighton Mari Mahr workshop 1996
Very much appreciated Mari’s
thoughtful, sensitive and penetrating comments. The food and hospitality is superb here. -
Mary de Pleave, London 1996
Thanks for a new approach. I would never
get so close before. - Ron Newman, London on Steve Pyke, Portraits workshop 1996
Why don’t the standards decline! - Martin
Parr, tutor on one of his many trips to Duckspool!
Now that we have a good map the walk into
IT will be so much easier. - Noel Dean on Electronic Workshop 1997
A Mac is a machine, a PC is a spiritual
concept. Mind Altering, waist line altering. Yes! - Phil Gamble on Electronic
Workshop 1997
Fantastic. Everything is ‘MORE’
at Duckspool. - Caroline Abbey 1997 on John Nesbitt, Large Format Workshop
In the beginning there was the word -
wrong! There was the picture! - Clare G on Charles Harbutt workshop 1997
Another wonderful chance at self-discovery
away from the daily routines and demands. - Suzanne Greenslade, Cardiff on Susan
Derges workshop 1997
Left on Monday on a complete high. What a
workshop! What an amazing gentleman John is! What a brilliant idea Duckspool is, will I
ever look at a print in the same way. Many thank you’s. - SA on John Blakemore
Workshop 1991
I found your workshop to be ideal, the
informality; the giving of knowledge; the atmosphere; sharing of work; and general
attitude of all involved was ideal. . . . people made me feel very welcome. - Craig
Barber, New York 1990
… lovely setting and fantastic food.
But most of all for the enthusiasm it has fired in me - it was just what I needed. - John
McG, Edinburgh 1991
AND FROM THE VERY EARLY DAYS
I learnt more in the two days there than in
the previous month poring over books and periodicals. If all your tutors are of the
calibre of Paul Caponigro then you have got something really valuable to offer. - Chris
Rodriquez during making of Ch 4 film Landscape Photography 1987
It was so nice to see your "HQ"
and get a sense of the splendid atmosphere you are establishing there. - Mark
Howarth-Booth, Victoria and Albert Museum, London
I cannot praise too highly! - KR,
Halifax 1997
Congratulations on your achievements in
setting up Duckspool.- Ray, Bristol 1987
Also an indication of the esteem in which
Duckspool is held is expressed by many people when they receive each year’s
prospectus. Even if they do not attend they feel part of Duckspool
Although I will not be able to take
advantage of the Duckspool experience this year - it’s still a dream. I want to
especially thank you for the course Poetry and Photography - the whole weekend was
wonderful for me - Harriet Lefkowith, New York. (Peter Goldfield I.C.P. New
York Workshop)
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