New RAMM acquisition celebrates Exeter photographer

RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery) has recently acquired a selection of vintage images from four different photographic series by Jem Southam, made between 1996 and 2011.

This is the first acquisition of work by the renowned Exeter-based photographer to enter RAMM’s collection. The four series are Lyme Bay, The Pond at Upton Pyne, Painter's Pool, and River Winter. Printed as unique contact c-type prints on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, the images provide unique insights into the evolving relationship between people and landscape in Exeter and East Devon.  

Born in Bristol in 1950, Jem Southam began to document the countryside of the South West in the 1970s. He studied at London College of Printing (now London College of Communication) and has worked at both Exeter School of Art/ University of Plymouth and Falmouth School of Art. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the V&A, Tate St Ives and the Lowry.

Southam’s work is notable for its technical excellence and lyrical quality. His use of large-format cameras and natural light results in images that are both detailed and evocative. He will often return to one location time and again to capture changes across the seasons and the years.  

Lyme Bay captures the changing light, weather and geology of the bay, offering poetic insight into climate, deep time and place. The Pond at Upton Pyne chronicles the life of a rural property near Exeter over a number of years. Through three distinct phases - romantic landscaping, suburbanisation, and geographic contextualisation - Southam explores themes of ownership, identity and transformation.  

Painter's Pool was created in Stoke Woods near Exeter. The series documents a secluded pool constructed and tended by painter Mike Garton, whose presence gradually fades as illness prevents him from working. The River – Winter are meditative studies of the River Exe during winter. Southam’s repeated visits to the same stretch of river at dawn reveal the quiet drama of seasonal change, wildlife activity and atmospheric light.   

This new acquisition enhances RAMM’s collection of contemporary photography of well-known artists based in and around Exeter, including recently acquired work by Susan Derges and Garry Fabian Miller.   

Jem Southam said:

'RAMM has been part of the fabric of our lives ever since we moved to Exeter, as well as all the varied exhibitions we have seen and been inspired by, our children spent hours and hours engrossed in the various collections. 

As a landscape photographer I have always worked close to home, exploring the rich complexities of the natural and human histories that make the Devon such a wonderful place to live. To have my pictures from four long-term studies in the RAMM collection, for future generations to see, gives me profound pleasure.'

A selection of Jem’s photographs will be displayed at RAMM in the exhibition Exeter’s Fine Art gallery: Highlights from the collection from 11th August 2026 to 17th January 2027. Another selection of prints from each of the four series will replace them in displays lasting six-months until early 2028. Entry to RAMM and the Highlights from the collection exhibition is free.

26th September, 11am - 12:30pm

Artist-photographer in conversation with Contemporary Art Curator, Lara Goodband.

Book your tickets

26th September, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Be among the first to experience the complete selection of this exciting new acquisition. Join renowned photographer Jem Southam alongside Contemporary Art Curator Lara Goodband for a special behind-the-scenes tour. Together, they will guide you through works held in the store.

Book your tickets