University dean’s photo collection charts 40 years of growth.

Visions of Lincoln as it has developed over the last 40 years as seen through a professional lens have been showcased in the city.

Professor David Sleight was born and raised in Lincoln, and was recently appointed Dean of Faculty for Media, Humanities and Technology at the University of Lincoln.

Last night, he kicked off this semester’s Lincoln Academy season with a lecture entitled Representations of Lincoln: A Media Collection.

The lecture offered a personal perspective of Lincoln shaped by his upbringing in the city, examining its representation through a wide range of media, including film, photography, paintings and engravings.

Many of Professor Sleight’s photographs, such as the ones included here, were previously unpublished, yet give a valuable insight into the development of Lincoln and its landscape.

Some of the photographs shown include the transitional progression of the development of Lincoln County Hospital, the Broadgate area before the introduction of safety crossing precautions, and the demolition of St Swithin’s Power Station.

During the lecture, Professor Sleight applauded the efforts of local media institutions such as Sparkhouse Studios and Backyard Productions for the contributions they have made to the local community.

“We have the largest number of media students on a single programme in the UK, of whom we’re all terrifically proud,” he said.

“There is a temptation to think of media as a trivial occupation, and extra froth on the top of life.”

Professor Sleight specifically highlighted the efforts of Sparkhouse Studios, the first physical incubator established by the University of Lincoln for its graduates.

“Providing a destination in 2003 closer to home for graduates was a key plank in the University’s ambitions and over the past 6 years we have been building an infrastructure to support graduate start-ups and keep them in the region,” he said.

“Sparkhouse has helped found 84 businesses, created over 200 jobs, and last year companies within the centre turned over three quarters of a million pounds.”

Sam Wardhan, 37, the manager and founder of the Lincolnshire-based Red Dog Production Company said developing a strong media industry across the county was of unquestionable importance.

“Obviously, there are the economic and social benefits,” he said.

“Essentially, it would be a new industry available in Lincoln, improving the diversity of skills available in the city.

“Interestingly enough though, everything we need for a successful media industry is already right here.

“There’s already people with the right skills and talent in Lincoln. What we need now is co-ordination, to get them working together and push things forward.”