CHESTER’S people, places and pets have been celebrated in photos on display across the city.

Well-known sights and secret gems have been featured in an uplifting series of photographs by University of Chester students, which can be seen at some of the city’s favourite spots, until March 31.

The second year students studying photography have worked in small groups to produce six distinctive exhibitions. One online exhibition complements the five city centre displays, giving a wider audience the opportunity to see the snapshot of Cheshire life.

  • Sarah Flanagan, Anna Carter and Loerie Williams made portraits of members of the public in Chester for their exhibition A Sign That You Matter, now on show at the Forum Shopping Centre.
  • Sally Elphick and Isabel Reynolds’ exhibition Dogs Out and About pictures canine friends who regularly walk along the riverside and is displayed on the Bandstand.
  • Mick Roberts and Joe Thomas collaborated with the Chester Photographic Survey, documenting the Rows to produce their exhibition Un-familiar which is presented in the Forum Shopping Centre.
  • Emily Johnson, Simon Hyde, Emily Whitehead and Josh Shaw worked with Zuger’s of Chester to produce their exhibition Our Hidden City currently on display on the café’s walls.
  • Jane Evans and Danny Ho joined with market stall holders in Chester Market to produce their exhibition Trading Places, being showcased in the Forum Shopping Centre.
  • Hannah Thomas, James Moore, Izzy Wedgewood and Lucas Cannon worked with Alexander’s Live to promote and celebrate the live venue in Chester. Their work can be seen at @alexanderslivephotos on Instagram.

Dr Tracy Piper-Wright, senior lecturer in photography and deputy head of art and design at the University of Chester, said: “As part of their learning, the students work together, with members of the public, local groups and businesses to make an exhibition and display it in the centre of Chester.

“This is something we do every year, except 2021 when the pandemic made this impossible, so it’s great to be out in the city centre again. The students have showcased Chester, its places, people and canine friends beautifully. Thank you to everyone who has worked with us - and we hope people really enjoy seeing the images across the city.

“For those who would like to see more, who aren’t in Chester this month, have an interest in photography, the city, Alexander’s Live or live music and venues in general, do also make sure to check out the online exhibition in this series.”