Ruth's prizewinning exhibition of images to treasure

By ALISON OLDHAM Wedding photographers bear a heavy responsibility – to capture images to treasure at an event which can t be restaged. Dartmouth Park photographer Ruth Corney wears this hat as lightly, indeed gaily, as her many others. Her picture of a

By ALISON OLDHAM

Wedding photographers bear a heavy responsibility - to capture images to treasure at an event which can't be restaged. Dartmouth Park photographer Ruth Corney wears this "hat" as lightly, indeed gaily, as her many others. Her picture of a bride in a 50s outfit, chatting to her aunties aboard a boat on the Thames, has won the Lauderdale House Photography Competition.

Now in its 22nd year, the competition regularly attracts over 400 entries. The prize is an exhibition at the House, and Ruth's opened on Tuesday. Its title, Taking The Plunge, obviously refers to the winning shot and other wedding photographs including one at the Savoy, taken in a lift whose seats were recently auctioned. But also to the ongoing project for which Ruth is best known locally - her evocative photographs of the Heath swimming ponds and Parliament Hill Lido.

Several years ago she became a familiar figure among the bathers, with her equipment in a pushchair - a modern-day equivalent of Stanley Spencer with his easel in a pram. The exhibition has old favourites and recent shots focusing on atmosphere in different seasons. There is also her record of Amy Sharrocks's project Swim, where a party of swimmers toured London's bathing places, travelling between them in a double-decker bus.

This exhibition demonstrates the breadth of Ruth's interests, beginning with more personal work - still lifes. Documenting community-based projects is dear to her heart, such as a tapestry made by young and old at the Whittington Community Centre in Tufnell Park, organized by Rowan Arts.

Images from her most recent project, photographing elderly people in their gardens for Camden Council's Share My Garden scheme, are currently on display at Highgate Library.

The photographs in Taking The Plunge are for sale, with 10 per cent of proceeds going to Camden's Housebound Project, helping frail and elderly people to lead independent lives. An exhilarating exhibition and just reward for a photographer who has truly made her mark on north London.

Until next Sunday, January 27. Lauderdale House is in Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill N6. Open Tuesday to Friday 11am to 4pm, Saturday 1.30pm to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm. Weekend opening subject to private bookings so phone before visiting on 020 8348 8716 or visit the website www.ruthcorney.com.