Way Back When - Student Photographs by Walter Simms 1968-73
An exhibition in the Tower Foyer Gallery, University of Dundee
4 March – 6 May 2017
Mon-Fri 09.30-19.00 Sat 13.00-17.00
This exhibition features rarely seen photographs taken by a Dundee art student in the early 1970s. Walter Simms studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art from 1968-1973, specialising in Graphic Design and Photography. He went on to have a successful career in graphic design and museum exhibition design, retiring in 2012.
The photographs include portraits of many of Walter’s fellow students at the Art College at work and at play, but also feature fascinating glimpses into a Dundee that has changed completely – the ruined remains of the old Hawkhill for example, as well as workers at the docks and at NCR. It’s a fantastic time capsule of a very different Dundee!
Image: Students at the Tav bar on the Hawkhill, 1973
Special Events!
Life as an Art Student - discussion event
Tuesday 18 April 2017, 5.30pm
D’Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, University of Dundee
To accompany the exhibition of Walter Simms’ photographs in the Tower Foyer Gallery, this special event will feature Walter and some of his fellow graduates from Duncan of Jordanstone College reminiscing about their experiences as art students in Dundee in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Free admission but please book here.
A Walk along the Hawkhill
Saturday 29 April 2017, 2.30pm
Meet in the exhibition, Tower Foyer Gallery, University of Dundee
Many of the photographs in Walter Simms’ exhibition were taken in the Hawkhill, parts of which were then changing beyond all recognition. In this special guided walk we will explore the changing face of this historic street, with the help of photographs, artworks, poetry and memories, to try to bring its rich and varied past back to life. The event will include a chance to see some of Duncan of Jordanstone tutor Joseph McKenzie’s acclaimed photographs of the Hawkhill, courtesy of our colleagues at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum.
Free admission but please book here.
Publication
A 36 page illustrated publication accompanies the exhibition and is available to order while stocks last.