Local Perspectives on Liberty: Sam Ivin and Bracknell Forest Libraries

This month, Open Eye Gallery’s Head of social practice Tadhg Devlin talks with photographer Sam Ivin, discussing his collaboration with lead artists Areej Abdi and Susan Mackall at Bracknell Library, as part of the current Our Freedom: Then and Now programme. This nationwide initiative reflected on what ‘our freedom’ meant to local people and their communities, following the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ day. 

As part of the Our Freedom: Then and Now project, Bracknell Forest Libraries explored the theme of freedom through the iconic trees of the borough, using them as symbols of shelter, vibrancy, strength, and growth. Just as trees put down roots and flourish, the town was created as a place where people could build community and thrive.

Tadhg: During your time on this project, did you encounter any specific stories or artifacts from the Second World War that shifted your own perspective on what “freedom” looks like in 2026?

Sam: I thought freedom was mostly about choice, freedom of movement, the freedom to be your most authentic self, freedom to choose your job etc. But I also learned freedom can be a feeling, feeling free, and not trapped, is just as important as having freedom of choice – the freedom to say no for example.

Tadhg: How did you work with the library visitors or local residents to ensure they were co-authors of this work rather than just subjects?

Sam: Areej Adbi was the lead artist at Bracknell Library and did a wonderful job of including a variety of backgrounds, ages and different voices in her final ‘Freedom Reading Trees’ artwork. 

That said, I’m transparent with each person or family I photograph, making sure they understand where the images are going and how they’ll be used. I may ask them a few questions about their experience and what freedom means to them. Giving them a small, framed print makes it feel like more of a two-way exchange, they get something in return for their contribution. For this commission, creating collaborative artwork was the focus of the lead artists, not myself. I felt my job was to document the process rather than do something socially engaged focussed – I felt that would tread on the toes of the artists and over complicate things in this project.

Tadhg: What was the process of working with the participants?

Sam: I felt my role in this project was to document the lead artists’ workshops, participants’ artwork and the final outcomes of each venue. This meant going back to my roots, working in a more traditional documentary photography style. 

I also made portraits of participants in front of plain coloured backdrops, giving participants a small framed print in return for their contribution to the project. Participants really appreciate a physical print as most people only view pictures digitally today.

Tadhg: Has your own practice changed in any way since working on the commission? Or has your idea of freedom changed since working on the commission?

Sam: It was brilliant working at six different venues across the South East. I had recently invested in a new camera so it was the perfect opportunity to test it out and get comfortable with new equipment. Since the pandemic I haven’t done much traditional documentary work so it was really refreshing getting the opportunity to get back to basics and get those creative muscles working again.

I think the commission has made me want to create more group portraits and explore using flash lighting and artificial backdrops more. I’m really keen to make portraits to a high standard but I’m often making work in community settings with limited time, or in awkward spaces. This project gave me the freedom to try out some different set ups and ideas that I can use in community settings.

More about the Our Freedom: Then and Now 

Our Freedom: Then and Now will culminate in a national exhibition launching at the Southbank Centre, London, on Wednesday 25 March 2026. Twenty-two photographers from the Socially Engaged Photography Network have been capturing moments from some of the powerful and diverse stories that emerged from the Our Freedom programme across the UK during 2025. We will be sharing these photographs at the London premiere, prior to a nationwide tour.

Developed by Future Arts Centres and Open Eye Gallery, the exhibition brings together images drawn from 60 locally-led projects. Communities of all ages and backgrounds considered what freedom meant in their place in 1945, and what it means now.

To capture these stories, 22 photographers were commissioned through Open Eye Gallery, as part of their national role in the Socially Engaged Photography Network, to closely follow each project. The resulting exhibition offers a powerful visual record of the people involved – from schoolchildren and veterans to artists and participants aged 0–100 – reflecting the diversity and creativity at the heart of the programme.

Following its London premiere, Our Freedom: Then and Now will tour nationally to arts centres and libraries that took part in the programme, stretching from Libraries Unlimited in the South West to Eden Court in the Highlands. The full exhibition will also be available to view online from 25 March 2026.

The Socially Engaged Photography Network will be sharing more information about the different photography projects which took place, as the tour shows nationally.

You can learn more about Sam Ivin on his website and instagram.