As the new photography exhibition in Elys launched featuring work from the community Shine Club based in Mitcham, the much-loved department store was full of laughter and chat with the creative children who took the photos explaining how and why they chose their settings.

Sally Warren at Love Wimbledon commented,

‘It’s inspiring having artwork displayed in our shops in the centre of Wimbledon and this was able to happen due to the partnership between local photographer, Cindy Sasha, Kristina Burton from the Mitcham Town Community Trust, Elys and Love Wimbledon. It’s the start of something new for Wimbledon’.

The photos will be exhibited in the womenswear department on the 1st floor until Friday 15 July.

Founded by filmmaker and photographer Cindy Sasha, the Shine Camera Club inspires children aged 8-10y to dream big and pursue photography. Cindy is no stranger to bringing art to Wimbledon and collaborated with us at Love Wimbledon to bring our free ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’ bird mural to the high street.

“I never had the opportunity as a child to explore photography or to understand that it could be a career. Growing up in a working-class background to dream was impossible and opportunities didn’t present themselves like today. I want to make sure this camera club inspires and allow children to dream again.” 

Through Cindy’s trusting relationship with Kristina Burton, Project and Development Manager at Mitcham Town Community Trust, Shine Camera Club provides a safe learning space for children to feel inspired through creativity and to build their confidence to pursue photography in later life. During this Saturday club, children were encouraged to explore portraiture, still life and street photography, whilst learning about cameras, lighting, famous photographers and discussing the power of an image. Kristina Burton added:

“Shine Merton Saturday School is delighted to be working with Cindy Sasha on a series of highly imaginative photography workshops. Providing primary students with an opportunity to have a camera and take images under professional instruction is a true rarity. It is also a prime example of how children can thrive and shine.”

Jennie Ricketts, respected curator and former picture editor at The Observer Magazine, helped to select the images to be featured in the exhibition. She stated that her hope is for children to enjoy the experience of having their images displayed for an audience, but also that this experience may reveal a potential future talented photographer.