ONE of the country’s oldest photographic clubs will be showing off its members’ best work at an exhibition in Summertown.

Oxford Photographic Society – formed in 1889 – will hold its annual exhibition at the North Wall Arts Centre at the end of the month.

The not-for-profit photo club aims to promote, foster and appreciate all forms of photography and the exhibition is a chance for its members to display their finest images over the past year.

About 60 pictures across a number of genres will make up the completed display, which will be free to view for two-and-a-half weeks.

The society’s chairman, Ivor Porter, said: “It is fascinating to see the diverse range of subjects that inspire our members when we exhibit.

“All of our members are invited to show one of their favourite photographs taken in the last year and most take up the offer with great enthusiasm.”

Among the pictures produced by the society this year include ‘Cafe Society’ by Philip Joyce – who recently saw one of his photos win at the Marwell Zoo Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Andrew Splawski’s ‘David and Goliath,’ depicting an impending battle between two insects, is another stand out entry along with ‘The Christening’ by Ian Bray but there are many more.

Most of the exhibition’s contributors are enthusiastic amateur photographers but some are professional and also involved with the Royal Photographic Society and the Photographers Alliance of Great Britain.

The club has a number of different ‘special interest’ sub-groups, which focus on different types of photography, including street, wildlife, abstract and landscape.

Exhibition organiser, Terry Lee, said: “This will be Oxford Photographic Society’s third visit to the North Wall Art Centre for our annual exhibition.

“Entry to the exhibition is free and we openly invite visitors to come along and enjoy the images.”

Although it is not a formal teaching establishment, its members regularly give their time to share skills and experience and a schedule of activities keeps the snappers busy.

The 16-strong voluntary committee organise presentations, competitions, critiques and seminars to help photographers improve their skills.

Those inspired by the camera work are encouraged to join the club, which meets every Tuesday at the Silver Band Hall in Temple Road, Temple Cowley.

The exhibition runs from March 27 to April 12 at the North Wall Arts Centre.

It will be open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 12pm to 4pm on Saturdays and there will also there will also be theatre performances at the centre at the same time.

For more information on the exhibition or the society itself go to oxfordphotosociety.co.uk

Membership costs £35, while a joint membership costs £65 if you join at the same time as someone else.