Festival of Welsh Documentary Photography
www.llgc.org.uk/lens
Come to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth for a celebration of the enormous contribution of the Welshman from Cross Hands, Ifor Thomas, and his wife, Joy, to British Photography.
Through their courses at the Guilford School of Photography during mid-twentieth century, they revolutionised the way photography was taught in Britain and laid the foundations for more than a generation of successful and influential photographers and film directors.
Lens is the annual documentary photographic festival held at the National Library of Wales. It’s a celebration and recognition of the Library’s collections of over 800,000 documentary photographs.
Jack Tait, Contributor and Speaker 
Tell us a bit about yourself
To the best of my knowledge, I am the only teacher of photography to have initiated two major schools of photography in the UK.
I also introduced new technology to the School of Graphic Design at Newport, Gwent and modernised what was the only Graphics B. A. Honours course in Wales.
I recently completed a Doctorate of Professional Practice in Fine Art at Manchester MIRIAD (Manchester Institute for Research in Art and Design)
How did you know Ifor and Joy Thomas?
I knew Ifor and Joy Thomas by being a student with them for three years from 1955-58, following three years as an RAF photographer. I won an award from Ifor and Joy for year’s best work in years one and three.
How important is the Library’s photographic collection?
The importance of the collection is that it has prompted the recognition of two photography teachers who are arguably the most significant in the 20C. However without the research on the material, carried out over the last few years, it would not have enough meaning to accomplish this recognition. There is still a large amount of work to do when the cataloging and captioning is undertaken. Only then will the collection have the importance which it deserves.
First impressions of The National Library of Wales
Great building and very friendly staff.