Capturing the Spirit of Poundbury

A Unique Online Competition Inspires People to 'Love Poundbury Through Your Lens' 

Art at the Duchess and the Community Association of Poundbury Unite Through Photography

David Kingman has been quietly transforming the Duchess of Cornwall Inn into one of Poundbury's most vibrant cultural spaces. Through his Art at the Duchess series, locals and visitors have discovered emerging artists while enjoying a pint. Now, he's turning the lens on Poundbury itself with a new photography competition.

David & Richard

David has been a resident for eight years, sharing his home with partner Richard and their two dogs Milo and Darcey. Looking for deeper community involvement alongside his passion for visual and dramatic arts, he developed opportunities to exhibit work by local artists at the Duchess of Cornwall Inn. With the fantastic support of Hall & Woodhouse management, Art at the Duchess enters its sixth year. Having delivered two successful community events—the Duchess's Summer Fayre and the Harmony Festival—David felt 2026 needed its next venture.

Supporting local charity initiatives has been at the heart of Art at the Duchess, inspired by Hall & Woodhouse's own remarkable charity work in the community. This photographic collaboration continues that tradition. The opportunity to partner with the Community Association of Poundbury's Love Poundbury initiative has led to the joint venture 'Love Poundbury Through Your Lens'.

Celebrating Poundbury Through Photography

The online competition invites participants to capture what makes Poundbury special to them. Whether it's the intricate details of a Georgian façade, friends gathering at one of the many cafés, or the tranquil beauty of the green spaces, the competition seeks images that reflect the true heart and soul of this remarkable place.

Bringing Communities Together

The Community Association of Poundbury and Art at the Duchess share a simple aim: to encourage residents and visitors alike to celebrate Poundbury's individuality by sharing their own unique perspectives.

This competition is more than a showcase of technical skill—it's a celebration of connection. The organisers hope to see entries from all walks of life, each photograph telling its own story and helping others see the town in new and unexpected ways. It's about shining a light on unseen talent and the unexpected beauty found in the everyday.

Supporting Our Community

All profits from the competition will go towards community causes, making every entry a contribution to Poundbury's future. It's photography with purpose—celebrating our town while giving back to it. The Duchess will be supporting the Lexi May Trust, a local charity helping children with terminal illness or life limiting conditions. The trust has been in existence for ten years founded by the parents of Lexi May who  lost her life when she was just eight years old. The aim of the charity is to enable families of very sick children to make precious memories during difficult times. The Love Poundbury Through Your Lens Exhibition of winning entries at the Duchess in June will specifically support the work of the Trust. https://www.theleximaytrust.co.uk

Major Sponsorship from Minuteman Press Poundbury

We're grateful to Minuteman Press in Poundbury for being our major sponsor of the competition. They're producing all our promotional materials and will also print the winning images for the June exhibition at professional gallery quality. In addition, Minuteman will give winners in each category a special large canvas print of their photograph—a beautiful keepsake of their achievement. Thank you!!

How to Take Part

Entry couldn't be easier. Simply capture your Poundbury moment and submit it via the official Love Poundbury website at www.lovepoundbury.org when the competition opens on 13th February. The winning photographs will be displayed at Art at the Duchess from 8th–21st June, creating a dynamic exhibition that captures the spirit of the town through your lens.

Whether you're a seasoned amateur or beginner photographer, this is your chance to help shape the visual narrative of Poundbury. Show us what makes this place special to you—and help share the uniqueness of Poundbury with the wider world.

Your Photo Could Go Further

Selected images may also feature in 'Poundbury Good Things' such as postcards and greetings cards, appear on the Love Poundbury website, and be used in our press materials—all while supporting community causes through Poundbury Good Things sales.

Inspiring Local Creativity

The collaboration exemplifies how art can bring people together, fostering a deeper sense of pride and community. With every entry, the story of Poundbury continues to grow, enriched by the perspectives of those who know it best.

Ready to capture the spirit of Poundbury? Pick up your camera, head out, and start looking at your town through a new lens. Your story could be the one that inspires others to see Poundbury afresh.

Entries for Love Poundbury Through Your Lens open Friday, 13th February 2026 at www.lovepoundbury.org. Whether you're a seasoned amateur photographer or just enjoy capturing moments on your phone, we'd love to see Poundbury through your eyes.

We're still welcoming additional sponsors to support this exciting community initiative. Interested businesses should contact chair@lovepoundbury.org.