Photographic exhibition celebrating lives of older men opens in Windsor

An uplifting photographic exhibition celebrating the lives and stories of older men has opened its doors to the public in Windsor.

Lives Well Lived – Older Men in Focus made a ‘highly successful’ debut in Maidenhead’s Nicholsons Centre earlier this year.

The exhibition is now back for the festive season and is on display for a month-long showcase at the Old Court Artspace in St Leonards Road in Windsor, until December 31.

Organised by Men’s Matters, a Windsor and Maidenhead charity support the social wellbeing of older men, the exhibition showcases striking portraits and personal stories, which highlight experiences, contributions and talents of men aged 60 to 96.

Each of the photographs were taken by freelance photographer Ian Longthorne, and capture a different perspective of each man.

Ian said: “I met the Men’s Matters group over many years, through working as the staff photographer for the Maidenhead Advertiser.

“Working with Paul Samuels and Tim Walker, the portraits were shot over several sessions at both the Maidenhead and Windsor group meetings.

“Each member was photographed in black and white but with different lighting to show their character and individuality.

“It was great to meet all the members and I hope the chaps enjoyed the photoshoot.

“We had a great response to the Maidenhead exhibition earlier this year, and I am looking forward to seeing the photos up at the Old Court in Windsor.”

The Windsor exhibition continues the project’s mission to challenge stereotypes, promote positive ageing and ignite conversations around men’s wellbeing.

The display in Maidenhead saw hundreds of visitors come along to see the photographs, and received ‘widespread praise’.

The Windsor exhibition is free to visit, with no booking required, and guests can drop in during the Old Court’s opening hours, at their leisure.

Tim Walker, trustee and lead of Windsor Men’s Matters, said the response to the exhibition in Maidenhead 'exceeded all expectations’.

He added: “Visitors told us again and again how moving it was to see older men represented with such dignity and positivity.

“Many of the men featured in the exhibition said it gave them renewed confidence and a sense of pride.

"Bringing this exhibition to Windsor feels like the perfect next step —we want as many people as possible to see these incredible stories.”

Men’s Matters runs weekly social wellbeing groups across the Windsor and Maidenhead areas.

The groups offer activities, friendship and a welcoming space for men aged between 60 and 96.

Organisers are hoping the exhibition will inspire visitors and encourage older men to reach out and join one of the Men’s Matters groups.

For more information about the Old Court and its opening hours, visit: www.oldcourt.org

To find out more about the exhibition or Men’s Matters visit: www.mensmatters.org or contact timwalker1666@gmail.com