The Dartmoor Photographs of Chris Chapman at Providence Chapel, Throwleigh, Devon
In September 2021 on the north east edge of Dartmoor a member of Providence Chapel in Throwleigh, Ian Crawford, called in to see me to ask if I would consider producing a permanent exhibition of my work to go on display in the village chapel and adjoining Sunday school. I told Ian I thought it a terrific idea and whilst I was in no position to fund such a venture, I would be more than happy to lend my support. The year 2022, along with my late friend the photographer James Ravilious, was going be the 50th Anniversary of when we began our respective photography projects in Devon and there were rumblings amongst friends that this should be celebrated. It was then that Ian told me that the chapel members were considering applying for a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund…...
I wished him good luck and later signed an agreement to say that I would support the idea and in January 2022 their application went forward. To everyone’s delight the bid was successful, and so in March we got together to formulate a plan for the show. I left it to members to choose the photographs and then got to work printing, mounting and framing the exhibition. It was a mammoth task producing some 43 images initially, but seeing it slowly come together it was certainly worth the effort. It reminds me of why I love Dartmoor and its people, and why I chose to call the place home.
The chapel’s heritage project was also supported by the Methodist Church and Devon County Council. The venture soon proved its worth, attracting not only locals but a large number of visitors from further afield. Three recognised trails now go past Providence’s doors, The Dartmoor Way, a 95 mile cycle route, The Dartmoor Way, a 108 mile walking route, and the most recent, The Archangel Way, a pilgrim’s route from St Michael’s, Brentor in the west to the church St Michael the Archangel in Chagford in the east. As with so many of Dartmoors illustrious buildings, and Providence is Grade II listed, maintenance and repairs are costly and this free exhibition has produced generous donations to help safeguard its future.
On exhibition open days team members provide delicious afternoon teas, and each year Providence Methodist Chapel hosts talks and concerts and also has an ongoing project to discover more about the families who have been connected with the chapel going back over eight generations to 1839. (Anyone interested in helping with this or indeed other aspects of the project please contact Ian Crawford at Providence1839@gmail.com.....)
Details of opening times can be found via a link at the end of this film which was made in December 2023 after the chapel received two awards from the National Churches Trust, a winner for England in the Church Tourism category and the Overall winner of the Open for Visitors Awards - a fantastic achievement and thank you to everyone who gave their support.