Local photographer Jim Grover marks 25 years of women priests

Jim Grover, whose photographs capture the spiritual and the secular essence of South London life, has another exhibition of his work opening soon.

His Windrush: Portrait of a Generation last year broke attendance records with 13,000 visitors to the Oxo Gallery on the South Bank and also appeared at St John’s Angell Town in Brixton and St John the Divine on Vassall Road. It has toured since and will be shown at the end of the year at the re-opening of the Fairfield Halls in Croydon.

The Oxo will also host Here I Am from 22 May until 2 June. The exhibition, commissioned by the Bishop of Southwark, celebrates the 25^thanniversary of the admission of women to Church of England priesthood.

It follows 12 of them and, as in the Windrush exhibition, Jim has recorded in-depth interviews with each of his subjects that will be available at the gallery.

His work to create Here I Am took eight months. Subjects were chosen to represent both the diversity of the women photographed and the places where they work in the Diocese of Southwark – from leafy Surrey to a prison.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with the 12 women who are the subject of this exhibition and to learn about their ministries and how they have answered God’s calling in their lives,” said Jim.

The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, the Bishop of Southwark,  said: “I have very much enjoyed Jim’s previous exhibitions and the insight that they have given into people’s lives.

“I am so pleased that he has worked with us on this. I hope that as people visit this new exhibition they too will be able to give thanks for the work of all our priests but especially at this 25th anniversary for the contribution of our women priests.

“Southwark Diocese has always been a great supporter of the ordination of women as priests and bishops, and this exhibition gives an insight into their varied work in our communities.”

A resident of Clapham, Jim’s earlier exhibitions include 48 Hours on Clapham High Street, that captured the vast range of people and events on a busy local street, and Of Things Not Seen, a year in the life of a London priest.

Here I Am
Gallery, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, SE1 9PH
22 May – 2 June
Opening Times: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Admission: Free