Durham Cathedral to allow photos to be taken
Jun 4 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal
CATHEDRAL bosses are to allow amateur photographers to snap away at leisure for the first time in the building’s 1,000 year history.
Durham Cathedral has been criticised in the past for banning hobby photographers from taking pictures inside what has been described as “one of the great architectural experiences of Europe”.
But staff at the cathedral are putting out the welcome mat for one evening later this month – for a £5 fee.
Cathedral steward Anne Heywood said: “Usually there are restrictions on photography in the cathedral. But we appreciate there are those who would welcome the opportunity to spend a summer’s evening testing their skill in capturing the essence of this wonderful building.
“Therefore, we are holding a photographic evening from 6.30 to 9.00pm on Wednesday, June 17. The cathedral will be open only for photography and members of the Durham Photographic Society will be on hand to help and advise.
“This sacred space is not that easy to capture in images, even with the increasingly-sophisticated digital cameras but those with simple ‘point and snap’ cameras are also more than welcome.
“There will be a charge of £5 per camera. Tickets will be available in advance from the information desk in the cathedral or at the door on the night.
“Flash photography is not permitted but tripods are welcome as long as no one trips over them.”
During a recent internet chat-room debate, cathedral bosses were criticised for refusing to allow photographers inside the cathedral on a regular bases.
