Street photographer Ross Wheatley reflects on both the affections for and frustrations with his hometown of Dover, writes Lee Penfold (@idylicpen)
For years, community photographer Ross Wheatley has been roaming the urban and rural landscapes of the place he grew up in, taking photos of what he sees as “a lost seaside town”.
His work is honest and tells the story of the real Dover, a story often lost in daily headlines of migrant crossings, roads jammed by lorries and Brexit. His affection for his hometown is clear to see in all his images, even when shooting difficult truths like the hardships of the high street.
Documenting his hometown in this way led Wheatley to become directly involved in his local community. In 2018 he joined the Dover Smart Project (DSP), a charity transforming lives through creativity and art. He began working on The Art of Age’ a project that he says “changed my life”.
