Family memories of a now closed photographic manufacturing plant has seen a shutterbug win an annual competition. 

Katie Everton scooped the Judge’s Award for Harrow Photographer of the Year with her image of the Kodak Works chimney, taken from Headstone Manor.

Katie, who was a runner-up in last year’s competition, was inspired by this year’s theme ‘This is our story’.

Production of photographic film ended in 2005 and the factory in Headstone Drive closed its doors in 2016.

Katie said: “This chimney is the last remaining part of the old Kodak factory and it means a
lot to me as a photographer who still shoots on film. It makes me smile every time I see it.

Katie Everton in front of her award winning photo of Kodak Works, where her family once had jobsKatie Everton in front of her award winning photo of Kodak Works, where her family once had jobs (Image: Jenny Burrows)

"My Great Aunt and other family members used to work in the factory. I was told many stories
of how the factory used to thrive at its peak.

"Even though things change and time moves on, I’m very pleased that the chimney still stands today.

"Every time I look at it, it reminds me of my Great Aunt and encourages me to keep taking photos.”

Katie was handed her award by Nicole Lyster from Harrow Open Studios, representing the Judging panel and Andy Murphy, from Harrow Giving’s trustee board, at an awards ceremony and private exhibition view at Harrow Arts Centre on October 2.

The exhibition is open to the public in the gallery at Harrow Arts Centre until October 10  and will then move to different spaces across the borough, including Stanmore Library and the Harrow Art Pod.

The People’s Choice winner, voted for by the public, was Pratik Goyal for his photograph, ‘Lion in the den’, taken of the view of Wembley Stadium through the buildings on Harrow on the Hill. 

Niall Sewell, a student at Nower Hill High School, won Young Photographer of the Year with his picture , ‘The death of Print’ - that comments on the changed relationship young people have with print media.

Niall described his photograph as "a criticism of how we interact with media in the modern day".

"As we become more obsessed with technology we begin to forget and appreciate physical mediums less, influencing the use of a newspaper… The careful choice of a fish and chips advert on the
back directly relates to the phrase “Today’s news is tomorrow’s fish and chip paper,” said judges.