Browser does not support script.
Walter Waygood
23rd November, 2018 - 5th January, 2019
23/11/2018 00:00:00
THE FAMILY OF SANTA CLAUS IS A 35 YEAR DOCUMENTARY BY PHOTOGRAPHER WALTER WAYGOOD OF THIS ICONIC IMAGE OF WESTERN CULTURE.
Initially captured in the arena of the retail department store through sponsorship of national companies including Alders Department Stores, Debenhams, British Home Stores, C&As, Marks & Spencer and Owen Owen PLC in the 1980s and then placed in a broader environment as Santa Claus diversified his commercial and charitable status with placements in garden centre bases or working as a travelling nomad supporting charitable organisations.
"The images are inspired by the childhood fantasy of make believe combined with a grounding in historical context through the work of artists like Thomas Nast, Norman Rockwell and Coca Cola’s own artist, Haddon Sunblom. The documentary genre of German photographer August Sander and the American portrait photographer Diane Arbus influence a photographic style that captures the peculiarities of western culture. The images are executed with a humour and visual directness that draws the viewer into the appeal of this important visual icon which crosses boundaries of age and region. The Santa Claus photographs represent a family that illustrate the many characters of this fascinating individual. Here the brotherhood of Father Christmas is displayed as we are invited to make comparisons and form a personal judgement as regards our own favourite image that best represents our ‘ideal’ Santa."
— Walter Waygood
For the doubters of this image and for those who pose the question of scientific proof as regards his existence, the omnipresent nature of Santa is solved through the enlarged presence of his brothers who as a combined body form 'The Family of Santa Claus'.
"The most stunning shots of Father Christmas I have ever seen - Arbus like in their intensity."
— Susan Beardmore, CREATIVE CAMERA 1982
Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.
Oriel Colwyn will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please confirm you would like to hear from us via email by ticking the box below:
You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at curator@orielcolwyn.org. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.