A photographic memory

Residents at our Rutherford House sheltered housing scheme in Easington have discovered they have a photographic memory – in more ways than one!

That’s because over half a dozen people recently took part in a project which captured their portrait photographs and written excerpts of their lives.

The project was undertaken by Tommy Maddison, a mature student at Hartlepool college who is undertaking an arts degree.

As part of his year two studies, Tommy had to submit work for a module entitled ‘specialist photographic practice’ and having already been filming one of the residents, Len O’Donnell, at Rutherford House for a planned documentary, he asked permission to photograph and interview other willing residents.

We were only too happy to agree and Tommy, who is aged 66 and lives in Peterlee, went on to receive a 1st for this particular piece of work, which puts him in a great position as he enters the final year of his degree. He then hopes to do a Masters.

It’s particularly impressive given Tommy left school at 14 and in his own words didn’t have a great education and only found out when he started his degree that he was dyslexic.

But having worked as a engineer before retirement and already being an amateur photographer, he definitely chose the right subject and medium to suit his talent.

“People at Rutherford House have so much to say about their lives and experience and I wanted to share that with others through his project,” explains Tommy.

“I really enjoyed speaking to everyone and capturing their pictures and life stories and I would love to do more in the future if people are willing.”