Red Barn Gallery RBG

This gallery was formed in 2007 and its volunteer run. It's a homely photography gallery, and it was converted from a pub by a photographer. I've wanted to visit for some time, but it was always closed, so when I seen it open today, I nipped in.

The exhibition was called "Bygone Belfast" by Joanna McKibbin, and it's photos from the 1940's, which were found in her mothers loft. There are no clues who took them, or of any of the locations.
It's free in, and worth a half hour of your time.

I don’t usually do photo galleries but I knew I was going to be around Rosemary Street & the curiosity got the better of me. I nearly walked passed RBG as it is a red-painted building that sits slightly back in an entry before you reach Ann Summers shop!

The current exhibition is “no place like home” by Judah Passow documenting Jewish life in 21st century Britain which runs to 29 November 2014. I absolutely got lost in the photographs; some made me laugh out loud & some had me holding back the tears. The Staff were so friendly & were happy to answer any questions I had but they left me in the peace & quiet of my own thoughts which I really appreciated.

The gallery is not gigantic but it is big enough to spend at least ½ hour slowly walking around & appreciating the photography. There is also a table with some books & prints for sale. The gallery can also be hired out for business meetings or private exhibitions & also has darkroom classes. There are toilet facilities & a guest book to sign on the way out. There is a cute little moneybox in the shape of a red telephone box for donations.

Now that I have found RBG I will be calling in again when the exhibition changes at the end of November 2014.

I make sure to see every show that comes to RBG. Some pictures are not always to my taste but always worth seeing. A very interesting significant exhibition can usually be seen in a unique space.

Frankie and Jude are a great double act and there are always engaging characters to be found. I've always left the RBG inspired and with a smile.

I am a huge fan of this space. The guys get little or no public funds and it is operated on the passion and goodwill of the team and the people who show there. Their love for the medium and the philosophy of the place is clearly heartfelt. One can feel the passion immediately on crossing the threshold.

Great work by local and international photographers. Firmly based in the social documentary tradition it shows work that is refreshing, engaging, accessible and important. Bill Kirk, Judah Passow, Jim Maginn, Frankie Quinn and others have shown there in the last 12 months.

Raw and unvarnished, You will find the emperor fully clothed here unlike some of the cringe worthy stuff in other gallerys in Belfast.

Have visited on the occasion of friends sister final exhibition from QUB degree photography course and certainly I found it a very eye opening interpretation of what others see and view as art. Definitely worth a visit.

This gallery in the heart of the city centre is based in what was a former well known bar, now converted into a ground floor cellar like exhibition area full of character but with great atmosphere and scope for a range of uses. The gallery prides itself in the historical perspectives it exhibits relating to the rich culture and history of Belfast and beyond. I have visited a number of photographic exhibitions and always find the guys who run this space to be friendly, open to chat and discussion and full of much additional information relating to the Gallery and Belfast. There is NO charge and I would highly recommend you drop in if in the city or put it on your list of things to do if planning to visit.