The Bathers

The Bathers is an outdoor photography exhibition to be discovered amid the cozzies and concrete of Newcastle’s historic ocean baths for the duration of the New Annual Festival 2025. Tales of mermaids and moon bows, skinny dips and first kisses - formative moments made at the Baths from those who hold this special place close to their heart.  

This is an exhibition exploring ‘magical memory’ and a collective homage to a place overflowing with personal stories, not exactly as they are but as they live inside us. Half remembered and wholly felt - staged and reimagined through the lens of two unique Novacastrian photographers. Newcastle Ocean Bath history, but as you’ve never seen it before. 

DURATION
Drop-in exhibition

ACCESSIBILITY
Newcastle Ocean Baths is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible amenities. 

ARTISTS & COLLABORATORS
Commissioned by New Annual Festival, photographed by Lee Illfield and Edwina Richards, produced in merry collaboration with Janie Gibson and Ang Collins of Whale Chorus Theatre. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
https://www.instagram.com/edwinajillrichards/
https://www.instagram.com/livecreativlee/