Selby Abbey Photography Project

Selby Abbey has been our largest Photography Project to date. The Abbey is one of the largest parish churches in the UK, therefore the focus for this project was on creating a website to support Tourist Ministry and attract more visitors through the doors. Photographing the Abbey was undertaken over several visits, capturing the busy events and social scene, the maginifcent architecture and the life of the Abbey as a parish church.

Over 860 images were taken, spanning a 5 month period. The architectural images were taken after the Abbey closed. From 4pm until 9pm the photographer captured every aspect of the Abbey's Norman architecture, beautiful stained glass windows (including the famous Jesse window) and centuries of changes and 'improvements', in preparation for the development of the site. In these cases it is preferable to take more photographs than necessary: it is better to have too many than need to return another time.

The website also needed to support the Abbey Restoration Project. Sources of funding are always a priority of the Restoration Committee, so having a website that highlights the best features of the Abbey was essential. However, we were conscious of the primary function of the Abbey: as a place of worship. The photo project included a number of visits on various weekends, which included photographing a wedding. Every page of the new website was to include a large image from the photo project, thereby telling the story of the Abbey's role as parish church as well as architectural gem. It was important that the images spoke to both tourists and people within the local community - why not explore the images below and then visit the website (use the links on the left) to explore the blend between parish church and tourist attraction.

Last Night at the Proms		The Choir and Sanctuary
Receiving Communion		Music at the Abbey
Wedding at the Abbey		Parish Eucharist
Receiving a Blessing		Abbey North End
The Gospel Procession		The Nave