James Bragge: Wellington to Wairarapa is the latest touring exhibition to arrive at Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre in Upper Hutt. The exhibition comprises of modern black and white photographs taken from original glass plate negatives by this foremost Wellington photographer. David Langman has curated the exhibition for the New Zealand Centre for Photography.

The exhibition illustrates James Bragge´s journey from Wellington to Wairarapa. He takes his horse drawn darkroom from Wellington up the Hutt Rd to Lower Hutt, Petone and on to Upper Hutt. From there he journeys across the Rimutakas and after an extensive tour via Featherston, Carterton, Masterton and Woodville returns via the Manawatu Gorge back to Wellington. "You´ll see shops and churches, streets and bush scenes as they were in the 1870´s." says Expressions curator Natalie Jones.

William Main author of Bragge´s Wellington and the Wairarapa will be presenting an illustrated talk about James Bragge the photographer. Other publications by William Main include Wellington through a Victorian Lens and most recently Facing an Era. James Bragge and his achievements with the camera will be the subject of his illustrated talk on Thursday the 15th of March from 10.30am until 11.30am at Expressions.

Brain Scadden will be presenting a photographic demonstration of the wet plate negative and ambrotype process which was used by James Bragge for his Wellington to Wairarapa series. Brian Scadden´s replica of Bragge´s horse drawn darkroom will also be on display in the Rotary Foyer for the duration of the exhibition.

The Vector Gallery at Expressions will be featuring Brian Scadden´ s photographic work from the 2nd of March to the 15th of April. This exhibition features landscape images from the surrounding regions which are depicted using the same photographic process as James Bragge. All works are for sale. There are also posters which accompany the James Bragge exhibition which are available for purchase.

As part of Children´s Day, Expressions will be operating a Victorian style portrait booth for children and their families to have their photograph taken and printed. This is a great opportunity to spend time together as a family. The activity is free and runs from 11am - 3pm in the Rotary Foyer on Sunday the 4th of March. Everyone is welcome.

James Bragge: Wellington to Wairarapa is open from the 2nd of March to the 15th of April in the Mt Marua Gallery at Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt. The exhibition can be viewed from Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 4pm. The centre is also open 10am - 4 pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

©2007 by the New Zealand Centre for Photography, Wellington, New Zealand