Old
Dorchester Photographs Walk
Sunday 10th April 2005
By Stephen Mottram
My theme for this walk was the Dorchester that Hardy knew. The work of various photographers - particularly Herman Lea and Francis Frith - was used as a comparison between then and now. I hope to write notes, though this will take some time.
Sadly, there was no time for Fordingham in the three-hour walk. Fortunately, the whole subject can be repeated in future years. Probably it would be wise to walk smaller sections on future occasions and break for tea or lunch. This would allow non-walkers to join in. Everyone can enjoy these photographs at leisure without having to look at the in situ.
Dorchester was of extraordinary importance to Hardy and he lived there or nearby for most of his life. He took great care to describe it in The Mayor of Casterbridge and elsewhere. Hardy's images - gained as a youth in walking to and from the town - mean that his streets, house and people are alive for us today. The Fellowship has plenty of time to celebrate these things. Much of Hardy's town remains.
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