Lens Focus on Nottingham

When I first mentioned my upcoming travels to Nottingham for a Photography short course, I was met with blank faces or the occasional conflation of Notting Hill with Nottingham. Having never ventured into the UK before, most of England in my mind was either the bustling city of London or the picturesque yet sleepy countryside. To me, and perhaps most people, Nottingham was an enigma waiting to be uncovered. Occasionally, someone would mention its link to the Robin Hood legend, foreshadowing the rich tapestry of experiences that awaited me.

The opening talk of the Global Short Program served as my initiation into Nottingham’s unique charm. Our course director introduced us to the town through a lively Kahoot quiz, revealing the town’s various inventions, famous alumni, and historical sites. Nottingham, I soon discovered, was a place of unexpected innovation. Most notably, I was surprised to learn that the very traffic light we often found ourselves bewildered by, as they didn’t face pedestrians or make any noise when changing colours, was invented right here in Nottingham. Furthermore, the inventor of Boots Pharmacy, a household name, was born in this unassuming town.

As a student focusing on Photography and Heritage, my cohort and I had the privilege of spending the first week and a half on day trips, exploring the sites of Nottingham through the lens of our cameras. We embarked on journeys through the arts district of Hoxley, where vibrant murals adorned the walls and quirky op shops beckoned us to explore their treasures.

The next day our knowledgeable tutors led us to the childhood home of the renowned poet Lord Byron, a historical site that provided us with insight into his colourful life. As we photographed the stunning estate with its duck pond, waterfalls, and heritage buildings, Byron’s world came alive before our eyes. Our journey continued to Matlock Bath, a place where Byron was known to frolic with his lovers, adding a romantic aura to our adventure. Of course, a trip to Nottingham would not be complete without venturing into the heart of Sherwood Forest, to visit the Major Oak tree and the site of the Robin Hood folklore. Each trip was imbued with a sense of whimsy and curiosity, particularly as I had the opportunity to experiment with a proper digital camera, and even a film camera. There was something so special about snapping a shot, and not knowing what I would find later in the darkroom as I developed the film in pools of chemicals.

But beyond the sights and history, it was the people I met during my program that truly enriched my experience. I formed bonds with fellow students from both across the world, and from UTS, and together, we embarked on this incredible journey of discovery.

In Nottingham, I learned that adventure lies in the most unexpected places. It’s a place where history and innovation coexist, where legends come to life, and where friendships are woven through shared experiences. My Global Short Program experience in Nottingham was a lens into a world I had never imagined, and it left me with memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Ella Springer
Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
Photography and Heritage at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Global Short Program Travel Scholarship recipient