The Whitgift Foundation has announced a new photography competition for the borough: Capturing Croydon, sponsored by the Croydon Partnership. Year 6 pupils from six Croydon primaries will participate in workshops throughout March led by architectural photographer Richard Chivers and geographer Dr Paula Owens. From the historic landmarks to the exciting new developments happening in Croydon, Capturing Croydon will inspire children from local schools to engage with their historic and evolving surroundings. Photos taken during the workshops will be submitted for the chance to win cameras and photography equipment. The shortlist of 30 images will be announced on 30 April, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Old Palace of John Whitgift School on 5 July.

Martin Corney, Chief Executive of the Whitgift Foundation said: “Each workshop will start at the historic Whitgift Almshouses, and will begin the schoolchildren’s discovery of the borough and its 400-year-old history, through its iconic landmarks and modern-day developments taking place. Capturing Croydon will enable them to discover the stories and hidden histories behind their borough, as well as help them better understand what it means to them today.”

Steve Yewman, Development Director of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “As the Croydon Partnership redevelopment becomes part of Croydon’s busy, bustling urban landscape, we hope that this exciting initiative will engage children with their area. I’m thrilled that as part of our partnership with The Whitgift Foundation, we can help inspire children to learn more about the borough, and see their hometown in a new light.”

Capturing Croydon is sponsored by the Croydon Partnership, the joint venture between Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Hammerson PLC set to transform Croydon’s two main shopping centres Whitgift and Centrale into a world class retail and leisure destination.

croydon dr paula owens initiative john whitgift school News photography richard chivers year 6