Many readers of Jazz Journal will be familiar with the photographic work of Val Wilmer, which started with her first shots of Louis Armstrong (with her younger brother, Clive) at London Airport in 1956. As has been seen over the years, her photographs are not just of musicians, but of writers and artists, social aspects and the roots of the music, and all reveal the deep warmth, respect and humanity of her work.
A couple of years ago, the Worldly Wicked and Wise Gallery in London presented a very well-received exhibition of her work (see the JJ review) and for those who might have missed it, much of the material is on show at the Lucy Bell Gallery in St Leonards-on-Sea. A light and airy gallery, just up from the seafront, it was first located in nearby Battle, as the Independent Photographers’ Gallery, but since moving in 2009, has established a reputation for interesting and vibrant contemporary work, much of which is connected to music.
Val’s exhibition opened at the start of August and has been extended to 4 October. A short walk from St Leonards Warrior Square Station, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day at the seaside and see some of the work of one of the world’s foremost photographers. Highly recommended.
Blue Moments, Black Sounds – 1 August – 4 October 2026. Gallery open Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun 11-4 or by appointment on 07979 407629. Lucy Bell Gallery, 46 Norman Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38 0EJ. gallery@lucy-bell.com | lucy-bell.com | 01424 434828
