When lockdown restrictions eased here in the UK, one of the first places we visited was Firstsite, Colchester's international gallery and creative community space. It's one of our favourite places to spend a Saturday in Colchester, and being such a well-designed, spacious building we knew that it would be easy to keep a distance from other visitors and that all necessary precautions would be taken to keep everyone safe, without affecting the exhibition experience. We were right - we had a really lovely visit, really enjoyed the exhibitions, particularly 'Tell me the story of all these things' (catch it before it closes on 11 October if you can!) and a good look round the shop, which is also one of my favourite shops in Colchester!

FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd.

Firstsite work closely with the community - their Holiday Fun programme supported over 200 children and their caregivers with free sports activities and nutritious meals this summer. If you'd like to find out more about the work that they do you can do so here, and also consider making a donation if you are able, to help them reach even more families in East Anglia to help them stay happy, healthy and tackle social isolation.

I've worked with Firstsite a number of times now, including capturing images for their re-desgined website and the opening of Antony Gormley, Field for the British Isles (1993) at the end of last year, so I was really pleased to be asked back to take some new images showing the changes that have been made recently.

FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd.

The Firstsite shop is so good for gifts! Art books, handmade jewellery, feminist literature, stylish homeware, all really lovely!

FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd.

The café has moved to the back of the building and has a lovely balcony area outside, too. I recommend the chocolate cake!

FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd. FirstsiteFirstsite gallery, Colchester. Photograph by Jayne Lloyd.

It's a stunning building with a great programme of exhibitions, fantastic cinema and a truly lovely team to work with!

Firstsite

Lewis Gardens, High Street, 
Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH

Website: firstsite.uk
Telephone: 01206 713 700
Email: [email protected]

Opening times:
10am–5pm every day

Hi, I'm Jayne Lloyd, a professional photographer based in Essex. If you would like to speak to me about working together please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm also Project Manager at Shutter Hub, a photography organisation providing opportunities, support and networking for creative photographers worldwide. If you'd like to get involved in that, you can join us here.