Preparing for the ISLANDNESS exhibition at Scotney Castle

Honouring ISLANDNESS through storytelling and place

ISLANDNESS is beginning to take shape. Rooted in a deep connection with nature, this exhibition explores liminal moments at the wild edges of earth, sea and sky. As final preparations are unfolding, I’ve immersing in the creative process with the amazing team at National Trust’s Scotney Castle. Bringing together environmental photography and powerful storytelling to shape a space where curiosity sparks wonder and awe. This post shares how ISLANDNESS is being brought to life and how each element of the exhibition is shaped with intention, collaboration and care.

Working on an island within an island nation

Set within the moated grounds of Scotney Castle, the exhibition sits on an island within an island nation. Reflecting the core theme of ISLANDNESS – a state of being both physical and metaphorical. From my first visit, the vision was clear: to create a space where people could feel both grounded and transported. Connected to the wild edges that define our world.

Measuring the gallery walls, mapping out the flow and designing the structure of the exhibition has been a richly collaborative process. Working closely with Laura Edwards, the visionary Visitor Operations and Experience Manager, along with the wider estate team, we have planned a journey through the space that reflects the ebb and flow of the natural world. Drawing visitors into the stories held within each image.

Creating with care in a historic setting

Temporary walls are being installed and painted to protect the integrity of this historic space. It has been important from the outset. To create something immersive and modern while remaining deeply respectful of the building’s heritage. The materials, layout and flow of the exhibition are all designed to sit lightly within the castle walls. Honouring the architecture while offering a new lens through which to see the world outside.

While measuring the rooms for ISLANDNESS, the late afternoon sun poured through the leaded windows. Casting lattice shadows across the wall. And there I was – a silhouette held in the pattern of the past and present. A liminal portrait that took my breath away.

I got goosebumps. Because this castle holds part of my own story too.

Back in 2013, I worked with the incredible team here to create a styled shoot that launched their wedding ceremony offerings. And in 2014, I had the absolute joy of photographing one of only seven weddings ever held at Scotney – Sally & Paul, just radiant in love.

To now return and see this same light dancing on the walls, and know that soon, stories I’ve captured and the things that matter most to me in the world – awe, nature, connection – will be on display in this space… it’s overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

Shaping a final collection with meaning

This week, I will be refining the image collection to its final form. The process of narrowing down is always a challenge. Each frame holding its own significance – but the curation is being guided by a desire to shape a cohesive narrative. A strong environmental message underpins the whole exhibition. Whether highlighting the resilience of life on remote outposts or drawing attention to ecosystems teetering at the edge of change.

Creating supporting information for each image is also underway, layering the richness of the storytelling. These written reflections will deepen the experience for visitors, offering context, insight and emotion alongside the visual story. From overlooked marine life and seabird colonies to storm-fractured coastlines and ephemeral skies, the exhibition invites a closer look at what often goes unseen.

Rising to the challenge of environmental storytelling

ISLANDNESS is more than a collection of images. It is a call to slow down, to notice, to wonder. The stories woven through this exhibition are not only visual, but deeply environmental. They speak of climate change, human impact and ecological resilience – it will be held in a space where connection and contemplation are encouraged.

The challenge has been to bring these messages into a setting that remains open and inviting, not heavy-handed. Through curiosity, awe and wonder, there is space for reflection, questioning and action. The ancient art of storytelling is a powerful one and these stories are rooted to a mission: rewilding our connection to nature and plant seeds to reawaken a sense of belonging within nature.

What ISLANDNESS teaches us

The concept of ISLANDNESS invites a different kind of seeing. It reveals the beauty and fragility of life at the edges, the constant flux between permanence and change. Within the context of a historic island castle, the exhibition asks what we can learn from these places. How do they shape our sense of self and our relationship with the wider world?

By focusing on liminality – the space between – ISLANDNESS draws out the quiet power of the in-between. It is in these thresholds that transformation occurs. Whether gazing at the horizon, watching clouds pass, or standing at the edge of land and sea, we are reminded of our place within a much greater whole.

Stepping into ISLANDNESS

As the final touches are being made, trusting in the alchemy of all of the elements weaving together, the heart of ISLANDNESS is beating it’s own rhythm. This is an invitation into the wild edges. A celebration of connection and a recognition of the urgent need to protect what remains. Every element – from wall layout to image choice – is being guided by the desire to honour the more-than-human world and the stories it holds.

With support from the incredible team at Scotney Castle and the National Trust, this exhibition will soon open its doors. May it stir something deep within and encourage a more tender way of seeing and being in relationship with nature, as part of nature. Click here to be the first to hear more.

Read more about the making of ISLANDNESS, here.