Dorset History Centre is inviting residents to explore a new exhibition celebrating Dorset Pride through the eyes of young photographers, helping to preserve an important chapter of the county’s modern history for future generations.
The exhibition, which will run from 26 January to 27 February at Dorchester Arts, features photographs captured at Pride events across Dorset during June 2026 by volunteers aged 18 to 25. Working alongside professional photographer Jodie House, the young people developed their street photography skills through a series of workshops before documenting Pride celebrations across the county.
The project forms part of Dorset History Centre’s Past Lives, Future Proofed programme, which has received just over £600,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme aims to expand storage, improve facilities and increase inclusion, diversity, access and participation in audiences and collections.
The photographs will become part of Dorset History Centre’s permanent digital archive, ensuring future researchers can access a contemporary visual record of LGBTQ+ life and Pride celebrations in Dorset.
The exhibition also builds on the archive’s existing collection of Emily Endean’s photography from the 2017 Out in Bournemouth project.
The exhibition has been curated in partnership with the young photographers and showcases their creativity, talent and unique perspectives on community celebrations taking place across Dorset.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Property and Assets, said: “This exhibition is a fantastic example of how we can preserve Dorset’s rich and diverse history while creating opportunities for young people to develop new skills. Through these striking photographs, we are capturing contemporary moments that reflect the communities that make Dorset such a vibrant place to live. I am delighted that the work of these talented young photographers will become part of our archive, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
