Latest News

Life through a lens

As part of the forthcoming centenary of the theatre in 2010, some of the longest serving volunteers and original founding staff are getting celebrity treatment by being the focus of a series of portrait sessions which will produce work to be framed and hung on the walls of the complex for the next 100 years. 

The artist is Helen Aikman, a mature student at Blackburn College who is ambitious to carve out a career in Fine Art Photography.  Helen's past photographic experience has always been in traditional darkrooms working for The Lancashire Evening Post and professional imaging labs. This inspired her to establish skills behind the lens and embark on a Higher Education course at Blackburn College. Now in her third and final year of her BA(Hons) Photographic Media she has embraced all aspects of photography; portraiture, advertising, photojournalism and fashion to name a few.

Helen Aikman in action in the theatre

Helen explained, 'The course has been a challenge, being a mature student, yet I wouldn't change these last few years.   For one of my final projects I have liased with Harriet Roberts, Chief Executive of the Empire; this project was set by Blackburn College to produce commercial photographs with the aim of exhibiting the work produced, at premises of our choice.

'The Thwaites Empire Theatre is a wonderful venue, hosting various events and performances for the public to enjoy, with an inspiring and fascinating history. Giving something back to the community of Lancashire was important for me in this project and Harriet and the volunteers have helped to make that a reality. I am currently undertaking a series of black-and-white documentary portraits of the volunteer workers at the Empire; their commitment and enthusiasm is of course paramount to the success and restoration of the theatre and this exhibition will add to their pride and passion, displaying gratitude for all their wonderful efforts.'

Come back soon to view Helen's images of the volunteers who will be hung in our wall of fame and online gallery.  You'll also be able to hear interviews with them and find out more about their own involvement as part of our centenary history online museum.

Visit Helen's website

Release Date:  Wednesday 21 January 2009