Photography & Makers Weekend Symposia
Tradition meets Modernity

As part of Walsall MakerFest Fringe, these symposia explore the tension between tradition and modernity in making and photography.  

Join us for a weekend of thought-provoking discussions, industry insights and creative networking. 

Photography Symposium, Saturday 12 April, 12- 4pm 

How does photography capture the past while shaping the present? 
What role does digital technology play in transforming traditional photographic practices? 
Explore the evolving world of visual storytelling with photographers, curators and artists. 

Speakers: Dr Pogus Caesar, Rachell Smith, Tina Eisen with a keynote from Garry Hunter. The day will be hosted by Walsall-based photographer Andy Kruczek. 

Makers Symposium, Sunday 13 April, 12 – 4pm 

How do makers balance heritage techniques with contemporary innovation? 
What does the future hold for traditional craft in an ever-changing world? 
Join leading artists, designers and creative practitioners for a dynamic afternoon of talks and panel discussions. 

Speakers: Anne Scrimshaw, Oliver Wellings and Lauren Tedstone, with a keynote from Wayne Hemingway MBE. Hosted by Dr Steve Harding. 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Speaker biographies

Dr Pogus Caesar  

Dr Pogus Caesar is a photographer, curator, film maker and conceptual artist. He was born in St Kitts, West Indies, and grew up in Birmingham, England.

Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts, Dr Caesar is also a Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

His work has been exhibited widely, is in private collections and, amongst many other institutions, has been acquired by National Gallery of Art, Washington (USA); Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada; NPG and V&A Museums, London; Wolverhampton Art Gallery; Martin Parr Foundation, Bristol and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Selected gallery exhibitions include: TATE Britain; Art Gallery of Ontario; ICA London; Ikon Gallery Birmingham; mcLyon, France; NPG London; V&A London; Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery; Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry.

Dr Caesar was a judge for the prestigious 2024 Taylor Wessing Prize at National Portrait Gallery, London and has also had a career in television as a series producer – editor/ director and presenter for BBC TV, Carlton Television and Central Television.

Tina Eisen 

An editorial and commercial beauty and fashion photographer based in London, UK. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Tina has worked with clients such as MaxFactor, Sephora, Ciate, Superdrug, Harvey Nichols, ASOS, Marks & Spencer, ITV, Amazon, Barbour and numerous other well-known global brands and magazines. Tina’s Beauty Photography workshops in Europe and North America, her publications and online beauty photography tutorials are popular amongst a global audience. Tina is a regular speaker and educator for photography equipment and software brands such as Canon, Profoto and Capture One and is regularly showcasing her craft at national and international tradeshows. 

Dr Steve Harding 

Steve has successfully developed and led innovative projects in Europe for over 20 years at the interface between universities, businesses and local eco-systems. His recent expertise as Director of the Institute for Creative Innovation (2015-19) has been in developing STEAMhouse in Birmingham City University (BCU) where he has an ongoing role. Steve has a doctorate from the University of Nottingham (2002) which focused on how SME networks support innovation. 

Wayne Hemingway MBE 

Wayne Hemingway is a British designer known for socially impactful, community-focused projects through HemingwayDesign, the multi-disciplinary business he co-founded with his wife, Gerardine Hemingway MBE. 

Wayne first made his mark in the 1980s, selling second-hand clothes before launching Red or Dead, the award-winning global fashion brand. In 2023, he co-founded Charity Super.Mkt, transforming perceptions of pre-loved fashion and raising millions for charity. 

A sought-after speaker on retail, regeneration, and purposeful business, Wayne continues to champion people-first design, shaping places, brands and experiences that positively impact communities.

Garry Hunter FRGS 

Founder of Fitzrovia Noir Arts Collective and Tommy Flowers Foundation. The son of a coal miner and a chemist, Garry had a 30-year career as a multi-award winning photographer producing conceptual imagery with blue chip companies from Apple to Zeneca, before moving into more socially responsible assignments with NESTA, the NHS and the UN. 

Andy Kruczek 

An accomplished photographer based in the UK. Published worldwide and with 40+ years of professional photographic experience, Andy provides photographic services to the Fashion, Beauty, and Hair sectors, shooting editorial and advertising images for a roster of internationally known clients. 

Anne Scrimshaw 

Engineer, Artist, Ex-International Hovercraft Racing driver, Scrapheap Challenge star, avid collector of knowledge, and a maker of weird and wonderful things. 

She currently runs the Fab Lab at Sandwell College. A Fab Lab is a place where people come and make almost anything. It has been variously compared to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory, and Q’s workshop from James Bond, and for anyone into making, it is a mind-blowing experience. 

Rachell Smith  

A British photographer, director, publisher, and motivational speaker, best known for her down-to-earth approach and iconic portraits that capture the essence of her subjects. With a career spanning over a decade, her work has graced the pages of publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour, showcasing talent such as Twiggy Lawson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Austin Butler, and Dame Emma Thompson. Her celebrated portrait of Twiggy has been accepted into The National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection, solidifying her place in British photographic history. 

Lauren Tedstone 

A quarterfinalist from Series 9 of The Great British Sewing Bee and a highly regarded figure in the sewing community. Her passion for sewing began in late 2019 when she taught herself to sew using a machine gifted to her by her grandmother. Since then, she has built a reputation for creating high-quality garments and curating a handmade wardrobe with a strong focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless fashion. 

Oliver Wellings  

Oliver Wellings is a Walsall-based designer and sculptor with a passion for the natural world and a commitment to sustainability. Using offcuts of stainless steel from his father’s engineering company in Birchills, he transforms industrial remnants into striking wildlife sculptures and bespoke lifestyle pieces. His process blends digital design with skilled craftsmanship, allowing him to create intricate, environmentally conscious works that celebrate both nature and innovation.  

By repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste, his practice embodies an ethos of sustainability, ensuring that each piece carries a story of renewal and responsible creativity.