Guildford Institute and Guildford Arts, in collaboration with Guildford Festival of the Arts, are pleased to present their next exhibition from talented artist John Walmsley.

Spanning decades of extraordinary documentary photography, this exhibition traces John’s artistic journey from his formative years at Guildford School of Art right up to recent town events. With a dedicated focus on ordinary people living their lives, John’s work offers a rich, intimate record of communities and moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Known for his immersive approach, John often commits weeks at a time to living within the communities he photographs — building trust, absorbing atmosphere, and capturing life with authenticity and warmth.

The exhibition showcases a compelling range of landmark projects: the 1968 sit-in at Guildford School of Art; a vivid portrait of life on the Wester Hailes housing scheme in Edinburgh in 1979; an insider’s view of the AA School of Architecture in 1975, where John was a part-time lecturer; the colourful Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride along the High Street in 2024; and a behind-the-scenes look at a professional repertory theatre company in the 1970s.

A celebration of real life, real people, and real moments. 

Meet the Artist — 1 October 2026 @ The Guildford Institute — 7pm