Looking Back: with Karl Ritchie

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Three people in suits smile and pose for the camera in front of a green collage background.

Looking Back: with Karl Ritchie is an exhibition of images taken through the lens of one of Bristol’s Windrush generation, the Bristol photographer Karl Ritchie.

Karl Ritchie was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1938 and it was there he was inspired by his older brother’s interest in photography. He first began capturing images with his very own ‘Box Brownie’ camera, before coming to the UK in 1961 and settling in Bristol.

Throughout this time, while raising his family and working as an engineer in the city’s aerospace industry, Karl continued capturing images of his family, community and important events. Sadly, a large number of Karl’s early negatives were damaged and are currently being assessed to see if they can be restored.

Looking Back: with Karl Ritchie offers a small selection of his vast archive, which reflects his interest in sport, music, art, celebrity, community and achievement.

Part of Windrush To Bristol – a programme exploring the cultural impact and continuing legacy of the Windrush generation in Bristol – past, present and future.

Supported by Bristol Beacon, Bristol Ideas, Ujima Radio, Black South West Network, Wendy Leocque, Rob Mitchell, Julz Davis and Madu Ellis

All ages

Opening times: Mon-Sun, 09.00 – 18.00

Kennedy Room

This exhibition is a reflection of some of my work over many years.

As far back as my youth, I had an intuition to express my thoughts in an artistic medium – whether it be drawing, painting, drama or music. Since my friends would poke fun at my drawings, I decided to try photography and so my passion grew for this art form.

Most of my photos document important community members, achievers and activists in Bristol and throughout the UK. They also include celebrities and world-famous musicians who performed in Bristol.

Karl Ritchie, Photographer

A graphic featuring a collage of people with red text that reads

Windrush To Bristol

Thu 20 – Sat 22 Jun

A programme exploring the cultural impact and continuing legacy of the Windrush generation in Bristol – past, present and future.

What’s On

The venue

Bridgehouse

at Bristol Beacon

Our foyer space located within Bristol Beacon where we host events, performances and conferences.

Getting to the venue

Location: Bridgehouse is located within Bristol Beacon with entrances on Colston Street and Trenchard Street.

Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR

Bicycle

Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.

Car parking

Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 50m away directly behind Bristol Beacon.

Bristol Clean Air Zone

Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.

Bus

The city centre bus stop is 250m from Bristol Beacon where most bus services stop.

View detailed travel information

Access

Mobility

Bridgehouse has level access from street level with lifts to all levels. For unallocated seated performances, seats can easily be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Assistance Dogs

Registered assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the venue.

Hearing Facility

There is an induction loop at the box office. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting. There is no hearing loop facility for the foyer stage.

View detailed access information