Morley hosts two Penny Lectures to close the academic year

Two recent Penny Lectures offered an inspiring glimpse into the worlds of photography and gemmology.

Both events provided rich content, engaging presentations and unique perspectives that left the attendees both informed and inspired. Here’s a wrap-up of these two lectures.

Eileen Perrier’s Journey in Photography 

Eileen Perrier gave the audience a tour of her nearly 30-year photography career. Her talk “Photography Looking Back to Move Forward – My Practice 1995 to Present,” was a heartfelt look at how her art has evolved, starting with her degree show project at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design (now University for the Creative Arts).

Perrier shared captivating stories behind her major projects and commissions, highlighting the personal and community-focused themes that have shaped her work.  “I don’t usually share things like this,” she said.  

From intimate family portraits to community-based projects, each piece she discussed was interconnected by a common thread, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of her subjects.

Perrier also reflected on the future of her extensive body of work, contemplating the best methods for archiving and preserving it for future generations. 

Perrier’s work has been widely exhibited since 1999, including prestigious venues such as The Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, and The Whitechapel Gallery in London. Her international presence includes contributions to the Africa Remix exhibition at the Hayward Gallery and The Centre Pompidou in Paris, and residencies such as Light Work in New York. Notable recent projects include a portrait series for King’s College London and participation in The Missing Thread: Untold Stories of Black British Fashion at Somerset House. 

Unveiling the Mysteries of Rough Diamonds

The second lecture, “Natural Form: The Stories a Diamond Crystal Can Tell Us” transported attendees into the world of gemmology.

Presented by Elizabeth West and Alan Smith from the De Beers Institute of Diamonds, the session shed light on the natural beauty and history of rough diamonds. 

West, with her fifteen years of experience as a gemmologist, and Smith, a rough diamond expert with 34 years in the industry, provided an overview of the journey of diamonds from stardust to the Earth’s surface.

They explained how the natural forms and unique features of rough diamonds reveal their ancient origins and geological processes. 

Following the presentation, attendees were treated to a hands-on session where they could observe and discuss a selection of natural rough diamonds. This allowed participants to apply the insights they had just learned, making the lecture both educational and engaging. 

More to come!  

The recent Penny Lectures have proven to be a valuable platform for learning and inspiration. Eileen Perrier’s exploration of her photographic journey and the De Beers Institute of Diamonds’ deep dive into the world of rough diamonds provided unique insights and sparked meaningful discussions among attendees.

We look forward to more Penny Lectures in the new academic year, continuing to bring diverse and captivating topics to our community.

Keep an eye out for future Penny Lectures here.