Former Ladies' College on display in 'Absent Presence' exhibition

Saturday 30 June 2018

A unique photographic exhibition documenting the former Ladies’ College, or Jersey College for Girls as it was known more recently, is opening at CCaSM Gallery today.

Documentary photographer Stacey Yates was commissioned by the Jersey Development Company (JDC) to explore, record and archive the former 19th Century Ladies’ College building before work began to convert the iconic Victorian building into apartments.

Pictured: Stacey Yates photographed the iconic Victorian building before the JDC started work to convert it into apartments.

A book titled, ‘Absent Presence – a college for girls’ has been produced from Stacey Yates’ work and will be available at the exhibition. The photographs are accompanied by interviews which have been conducted by writer Hannah Patterson, a former JCG student, with Ms Yates and with Siobhann Macleod, also a former JCG student, associate at Axis Mason architects.

Pictured: The photographs have been compiled in a book available for sale at the exhibition.

Lee Henry, JDC’s Managing Director, commented: “We have never doubted the architectural and nostalgic value of the former JCG building. We have done all that we can to preserve its history and past by relocating the magnificent oak panelled library to the current JCG at Mont Millais, restoring the original staircases and façade, as well as commissioning this photographic exhibition.

"I hope as many people as possible that were connected with the college, take the time to visit this exhibition. I’d also like to thank Stacey for producing these outstanding photographs.”

The Exhibition will run for three weeks from today to 19 July.