Ruth’s Projects
Portrait
Ruth really enjoys portrait photography and that love of the genre really shines through in the quality of her work.
Her portraits are considered and engaging, often capturing that illusive essence we all hope for in a photograph but rarely find. As well as using her trusted Canon equipment she also likes to do portraits using the traditional Rolleiflex camera.
2 Metres
“These photographs are a study of a set of people, chosen at random, who live in Camden from March to June, 2020.
Photographer Ruth Corney has been riding shotgun in my van on a food aid project I have been running for the Camden New Journal during the pandemic. We have visited individuals, food banks, charities, community centres, co-ops, everyone and everywhere through the streets of our neighbourhoods”.
Remarkable Highgate Women
A film and exhibition by Ruth Corney, with Highgate Literary Scientific Institution
Happy 90th Birthday Park Road Lido
Photographer Ruth Corney – known for her stunning pictures of the Kenwood Ladies Pond and the Parliament Hill Lido – has snapped a year in the life of an open-air swimming pool.
It has been providing a refreshing dip for nine decades – and now a year in the life of an open-air swimming pool is being chronicled to mark its 90th birthday. (Under press)
Current Exhibitions
Small watercolours and a photo etching celebrating Park Road Lido’s 90th birthday are on display at Crouch End Picture House.
Ruth also has a selection of photos exhibited at APPI Clinics, Hampstead Heath Rail Station, London, NW3 2RX.
Kenwood Ladies Pond
Ladies Pond
A swim in the Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath dissipates all this. This wonderful oasis that restores energy and soothes the nerves. It is, as Margaret Drabble so aptly said, “Rus in Urbe” (countryside in the city).
Listen to Ruth talk about the Hampstead ladies pond on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour (forward to 15m:35s)
Men’s Pond
I have been privilieged to go and venture into the men’s pond, chat with Al Alvarez et al and even get a cup of tea from lifeguard Terry.
Lido
And then there’s the Lido. To swim there is fantastic. Sometimes I feel that I am swimming through a glacier – clean, searing and uplifting (except when it’s packed!). And even when it is packed, it is so full of life and activity, and the water is always cool and refreshing.
I hope my photos convey the very deep affection I have for these places.
Charity Work
Ruth is often asked to do work for charity. If it’s a subject close to her heart she’s happy to reduce her rates and has also given her time for free for some charities she feels strongly about.
Mixed Pond
I will always be impressed by Margaret Dickinson who swam in the snowy mixed pond so gamely and would have done so whether or not I had been there.
What Women Believe
What Women Believe is a new art installation, commissioned by 3FF and created by artists Tessa Brown, Ruth Corney and OOMK, celebrating the lives and often untold stories of influential women from different communities.
The project is supported by Arts Council England and co-ordinated by 3FF, the Three Faiths Forum. This organisation aims to build lasting relationships between people of different faiths and beliefs.
Plunging into History – Ironmonger Row Baths
Whenever I start a new project I like to immerse myself in it as much as possible in order to get a feel of the place and to get to know the people. At Ironmonger Row Baths this involved me using the Turkish baths, swimming in the pool, visiting the laundry and talking to as many people as possible.
Amy
Amy Sharrocks is an inspirational artist. I love photographing what she is up to. Check out the ‘Museum of Water‘ exhibition.
Making Inroads
What brings people to settle or work on Holloway Road in north London, and how do they put down roots and make it their home?
Artwork & Commissions
Ruth has worked in various schools setting up and running projects.
For several years she ran art classes from home. She teaches part time at a hospital school in Mill Hill.
She has also been working on silk painting for over three years. Her ‘Silk Works’ has been on display at Burgh House (where some of it is for sale) and at Hampstead School of Art. She also takes on commissions.
Interior Design
With clients ranging from Zizzi, Gail’s, community centres and smaller clients Ruth has developed an eclectic style and created spaces that people enjoy.
Sometimes a place needs a bit of rejigging and updating.
Celebrating 60 Years
For Finchley Progressive Synagogue celebrating its 60th year.
“Ruth Corney has captured the spirit of FPS in her photographs of the people, the building and the objects that are at the heart of our Jewish observance”
Laura Lassman and Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Burke
Celebrating 2012
Ruth was asked to take photographs during a twelve month programme of events and activities across Islington that marked and celebrated the London 2012 Olympic Games.
St Luke’s Community Centre
In celebration of the 2010 Finsbury Arts Festival I decided to attempt an underwater photography project at nearby Ironmonger Row Baths before it closed for refurbishment.
We thought it would be fun if people were clothed and doing what they normally do at St Luke’s Centre – but underwater!