March 31, 2007
Justin Neal’s photographs are intended to make us consider the link between the past and the present but in my case does this through hoots of laughter. A knight in bright shining armour goes for a drink with his mates, fills up his car at a service station and wines his lady friend in a series of outsized photographs. These moments, where the historic past meets the present, is captured thanks to a supporting cast who play along with the charade with great integrity. The vivid colours of the epsilon prints bring the originality of the ideas into clear focus. The large sculpture of a knight fits beautifully in this gallery nestled in the heart of what was once a major Norman castle. Toy mini knights engage the child in you. Neal’s clever photographs raise a smile and offer a great talking point if you are out with your beau or belle. Take advantage of opening hours 12-8 Tuesday to Friday, and make a knight of it!